Basic Summary for Lichen sclerosis

Main name of condition: Lichen sclerosis
Other names or spellings:

What is Lichen sclerosis?
  Brief description of Lichen sclerosis: Disease causing leathery or dry skin in genital areas.
  Parent types of Lichen sclerosis: Sclerosis, Male sexual conditions, Vagina conditions
  Organs Affected by Lichen sclerosis: skin, vagina, penis

How many people get Lichen sclerosis?
Prevalance of Lichen sclerosis: rare
Prevalance of Lichen sclerosis: Although definitive data are not available, lichen sclerosus is considered a rare disorder that can develop in people of all ages.¹

Who gets Lichen sclerosis?
  Patient Profile for Lichen sclerosis: Can affect any age or gender.
  Gender Profile for Lichen sclerosis: Most common in women.
  Gender Profile for Lichen sclerosis: It primarily affects the vulva. Fewer than 1 in 20 women who have vulvar lichen sclerosus have the disease on other skin surfaces. The disease is much less common in childhood. In boys, it is a major cause of tightening of the foreskin, which requires circumcision. Otherwise, it is very uncommon in men. ¹

How serious is Lichen sclerosis?
Complications of Lichen sclerosis: see complications of Lichen sclerosis

What causes Lichen sclerosis?
  Causes of Lichen sclerosis: The cause is unknown, although an overactive immune system may play a role. Some people may have a genetic tendency toward the disease, and studies suggest that abnormal hormone levels may also play a role. Some scientists believe that an infectious bacterium, called a spirochete, may cause the changes in the immune system that lead to lichen sclerosus.¹
  Causes of Lichen sclerosis: see causes of Lichen sclerosis
  Risk factors for Lichen sclerosis: see risk factors for Lichen sclerosis

What are the symptoms of Lichen sclerosis?
Symptoms of Lichen sclerosis: see symptoms of Lichen sclerosis

Can anyone else get Lichen sclerosis?
Contagion of Lichen sclerosis: Not contagious. Not even sexual contact.
More information: see contagiousness of Lichen sclerosis

How is it treated?
Treatments for Lichen sclerosis: see treatments for Lichen sclerosis

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Questions and Answers About Lichen Sclerosis: NIAMS

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