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In this Article

• What is lichen sclerosus?
• Who gets lichen sclerosus?
• What are lichen sclerosus symptoms and signs?
• What causes lichen sclerosus?
• How is lichen sclerosus diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for lichen sclerosus?
• Can people with lichen sclerosus have sex?
• Is lichen sclerosus related to cancer?
• What kind of doctor treats lichen sclerosus?
• Where can I find more information about lichen sclerosus?
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Lichen Sclerosus Index

Women with severe lichen sclerosus in the genitals may not be able to have sex. The disease can cause scars that narrow the vagina. Also, sex can hurt and cause the patches to bleed. However, treatment with creams or ointments can help. Women with severe scarring in the vagina may need surgery, but only after lichen sclerosus is controlled with medication.

Lichen sclerosus does not cause skin cancer. However, skin that is scarred by lichen sclerosus is more likely to develop skin cancer. If you have the disease, see the doctor every 6 to 12 months. The doctor can look at and treat any changes in the skin.

Lichen sclerosus is treated by:

• Dermatologists (doctors who treat the skin)
• Gynecologists (doctors who treat the female reproductive system)
• Urologists (doctors who treat the urinary or urogenital tract)
• Primary health care providers.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484
Toll Free: 877-22-NIAMS (877-226-4267)
TTY: 301-565-2966
Fax: 301-718-6366
Email: NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov
Website: www.niams.nih.gov

SOURCE:

National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases