17/01/2026
Today is World Lichen Sclerosus Day
At The Scotia Clinic we commonly see this condition. There can be a delay in diagnosis as the symptom of itching gets mistaken for thrush.
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the ge***al and a**l areas, though it can occur elsewhere on the body.
It is not contagious and is not sexually transmitted.
*is most common in postmenopausal women; also affects men and children.
Exact cause is unknown; likely involves autoimmune factors, genetics, and hormonal influences.
It presents with:
*Thin, white, shiny skin
*Itching (often severe)
*Pain, burning, or discomfort
*Easy bruising, tearing, or bleeding
*Scarring and skin tightening over time, which can affect urination or sexual function
*Skin may look porcelain-white, wrinkled, or fragile; in advanced cases the appearance of the skin may change.
While diagnosis is based on clinical examination we often carry out a skin biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis or rule out cancer.
Our usual treatment will be topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol) are first-line treatment.
Long-term maintenance therapy is often recommended to prevent cancerous changes.
Treatment helps control symptoms, prevent scarring, and reduce cancer risk, but there is no cure for lichen sclerosus.
There is a risk (about 2–5%) of squamous cell carcinoma in affected ge***al skin or Chronic pain, scarring, and sexual dysfunction if untreated.
With proper treatment and regular follow-up, most people achieve good symptom control and maintain quality of life.
We recommend that all women regularly visualise their v***a with a mirror so that skin disorders can be diagnosed early.
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