Lichen Sclerosus

Most vaginal itching, in people before they go through puberty, is due to irritation (soaps, tight fitting clothing), foreign bodies (like toilet tissue stuck in the vagina), or . Sometimes vaginal problems are caused by skin conditions. One of these skin conditions is lichen sclerosus (LY-ken skler-O-sus).

Risk Factors We do not know what causes lichen sclerosus. Researchers have looked at different possible causes, such as:

Genetics Some people think people whose mothers had lichen sclerosus may be more likely to get it.

Autoimmunity Some people with lichen sclerosus also have a problem where the body’s defenses are not working right (an ), but lichen sclerosus itself is not an autoimmune disease.

Infection No specific , such as a bacteria or , has been shown to cause lichen sclerosus.

Local factors Irritation of the , such as from soap or dryer sheets, may make symptoms worse in some people with lichen sclerosus.

Symptoms It is possible for some people with lichen sclerosus to have no symptoms at all. In this case, the disease may be found during a routine check-up. Sometimes people with lichen sclerosus have itching or pain of the skin at the entrance to the vagina (vulva), which can be mild to severe. Vulvar skin may become red or swollen. The skin may become thin, lighten, bruise or tear. Lichen sclerosus can also cause pain while peeing (urinating), as urine passes over sore skin. If there are small tears in the skin near the anus, this can cause pain, and some people may have trouble having a bowel movement. Some people with lichen sclerosus will have discharge or staining on their underpants. The discharge may have blood in it, due to small spots of vulvar bleeding from irritation and scratching. This sort of bloody discharge is not a menstrual period.

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Lichen Sclerosus

Lightening and Bruises Cuts thinning of the skin

Treatment You can usually treat lichen sclerosus with a strong steroid cream. Your provider will prescribe one for you. It may take several months for the skin to heal Your provider will then look at the skin of the vulva to see if it needs more treatment. Steroid creams may need to be used for several months. Once the lichen sclerosus has gotten better, you can slowly stop using the steroid cream. If you stop using steroids too quickly, the lichen sclerosus can come back right away. Your provider may recommend using a topical cream or oil to help make sure that the skin will not stick together again in the future. If the lichen sclerosus comes back, contact your provider to discuss further treatment.

Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the 3/21 Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s PE1171 needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider.

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