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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffPersistent lichen sclerosus in one location may slightly increase your risk of skin cancer, although this has not yet been definitively proved. For this reason, make sure that you have follow-up examinations every six to 12 months.
Other potential complications:
- In women, the uncomfortable itching and scarring that accompanies severe lichen sclerosus may narrow the vaginal opening and affect the ability or desire to have sexual intercourse. In some cases, the blistering may create extremely sensitive skin to the point that any pressure on the area is unbearable.
- In men, lichen sclerosus can in rare cases involve the foreskin. The tightening and thinning of the foreskin may create complications during erections or when urinating.
References
- 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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