lichen sclerosus

a chronic skin disease affecting the anogenital area, especially in women, and characterized by sheets of thin ivory-white skin. In 20% of patients other skin areas are also affected. Very potent topical corticosteroids are helpful; men may require circumcision (lichen sclerosus is a common precondition of adult circumcision).

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lichen sclerosus et atrophicus a chronic, atrophic skin disease characterized by hard flat white papules with erythematous halos and black follicular keratotic plugs; it is usually around the external genitalia or in the perianal region. In females it is seen in older women or the very young and results in destruction of vulvar architecture, scarring, and shrinkage of the labia with itching, dyspareunia, and dysuria. In males it affects the prepuce and glans penis and may result in stricture of the urethral meatus. Occasionally it may precede squamous cell carcinoma. In females, called also atrophic or leukoplakic vulvitis, leukokraurosis, and kraurosis vulvae. In males, called also balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus in a young boy.