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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLichen sclerosus (LIE-kun skluh-ROW-sus) is an uncommon condition that creates patchy, white skin that's thinner than normal. Lichen sclerosus may affect skin on any part of your body, but most often involves skin of the vulva, foreskin of the penis or skin around the anus.
Anyone can get lichen sclerosus, but postmenopausal women are at highest risk. Left untreated, lichen sclerosus may lead to other complications.
You may not need treatment because sometimes lichen sclerosus improves on its own. If you do need treatment, your doctor can suggest options to return a more normal appearance to your skin and decrease the tendency for scarring.
- What is lichen sclerosus? http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lichen_Sclerosus/default.asp. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Accessed March 25, 2010.
- Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00017-1--s1120&uniq=191177270&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&sid=973564791. Accessed March 25, 2010.
- Ferri FF. Lichen sclerosus. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191177270-3/973564791/2088/379.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00021-6--s1765_7799. Accessed March 25, 2010.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 31, 2010.
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