Lichen Sclerosus causes

[prp_1705]

What causes this condition?

Could it get better by itself?

What happens if it is not treated?

[Dr Jane Sterling]

All important questions!
Lichen sclerosus is caused by the body's own immune system slightly misfiring and instead of just protecting us from the outside, can sometimes 'over-react' and attack the body itself. Lichen sclerosus is not a vigorous attack on the body, but is limited (usually) to the genital area, where is causes a long, slow inflammation of the skin. This is seen as a pink or whitish change on the skin and often felt as an itch.
Just as when you have a scratch or a surface wound to the skin, as it heals up it often feels itchy and it may leave a mark or just visible scar on the skin - you can experience the same sensation from the effects of the inflammation of lichen sclerosus.

Lichen sclerosus often does not get better by itself. However, it can quieten right down and disappear. However, the person always has the genetic make-up to be prone to lichen sclerosus. Science has not yet discovered what that genetic make-up is, so it is not possible to test for it.

For some people, lichen sclerosus is a mild disease and causes little problem. For others it can be a real nuisance and the inflammation can carry on for a long time and make the skin very uncomfortable. It is best to treat lichen sclerosus, as uncontrolled inflammation of the skin over many years, can make the affected skin more likely to produce a skin cancer. Obviously, that is something best avoided, and good control of the lichen sclerosus is a sensible long-term aim.