About lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus

What is lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus?

Lichen Planus is a rare, recurrent, itchy rash or area of inflammatory eruptions (lesions) of unknown origin characterized by shiny reddish-purple spots on the skin and gray-white ones in the mouth. The disorder may present as itchy spots on the wrist, legs, torso, genitals, mouth, or lips. The eruptions may appear as small separate, angular spots that may coalesce into rough scaly patches. This disorder is frequently accompanied by oral lesions of the mucous membranes that line the mouth. The disorder affects women more frequently than men.

What are the symptoms for lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus?

Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition characterized by white, Blotchy patches of skin.

Lichen sclerosus in genital area 

Lichen sclerosus may affect skin on any part of your body, but most often involves the skin of the vulva, foreskin of the penis or skin in the anal area.

People with mild lichen sclerosus may have no signs or symptoms.

Signs and symptoms usually affect the skin of the genital and anal areas, but may also affect the skin of the upper body, upper arms and breasts. They may include:

  • Redness
  • Itching (pruritus), which can be severe
  • Discomfort or pain
  • Smooth white patches on your skin
  • Blotchy, wrinkled patches
  • Tearing or bleeding
  • In severe cases, bleeding, Blistering or ulcerated sores
  • Painful sex

What are the causes for lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus?

The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role. Previous skin damage at a particular site on your skin may increase the likelihood of lichen sclerosus at that location.

Lichen sclerosus isn't contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse.

Lichen sclerosus often occurs in postmenopausal women, but also in men and children. In women, lichen sclerosus usually involves the vulva. In boys and men, uncircumcised males are most at risk, because the condition generally affects the foreskin.

In children, the signs and symptoms may improve at puberty, but they will still need monitoring for disease activity.

What are the treatments for lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus?

If you have lichen sclerosus on or around your genitals or anus, or have a more advanced case on other parts of your body, your doctor will recommend treatment. Treatment helps reduce itching, improve your skin's appearance and decrease further scarring. Recurrence is common. Rarely, lichen sclerosus gets better on its own.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid ointments or creams are commonly prescribed for lichen sclerosus. Initially, you'll generally have to use cortisone creams or ointments on the affected skin twice a day. After several weeks, your doctor will likely recommend that you only use these medications twice a week to prevent a recurrence.

Your doctor will monitor you for side effects associated with prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, such as further thinning of the skin.

Other treatment options

If corticosteroid treatment doesn't work or if months of corticosteroid therapy are needed, your doctor may prescribe an ointment such as tacrolimus (Protopic).

Removal of the foreskin (circumcision) in men is a common treatment in cases resistant to other therapies or more-advanced cases. Surgery in the genital or anal area generally isn't recommended for women with lichen sclerosus because the condition may just come back after surgery.

Ask your doctor how often you should return for follow-up exams. They are generally recommended every six to 12 months.

What are the risk factors for lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus?

The risk of lichen sclerosus is higher for postmenopausal women, although it can occur in men and children. Men who are uncircumcised have a higher risk because the condition often affects the foreskin.

Is there a cure/medications for lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus?

A rare skin disorder called Lichen Planus Sclerosus Atrophicus typically affects the anal or vaginal regions of the body. However, your torso, breasts, and upper arms may also be impacted.

After menopause, the illness primarily affects adult women. But it also spread to others.

Cause of Lichen Planus Sclerosus
The cause of Lichen Planus Sclerosus in certain persons is unknown to doctors. They speculate that it might be brought on by genetics, hormones, an illness, or a combination of these factors. The idea that your immune system is attacking your skin is another. It might also be brought on by a past skin injury.

Cure or Medications for Lichen Planus Sclerosus Atrophicus

  • Despite the lack of a cure, there are therapies available to control your symptoms which are small, shiny, and smooth white patches on skin, scarring, bleeding, or blistering, itching, and purple and red bruises.
  • Your doctor might recommend a dermatologist or a specialist in the female reproductive system if you have skin issues.
  • Corticosteroids: Lichen Planus Sclerosus Atrophicus patients commonly receive prescriptions for corticosteroid ointments or creams. Initially, you'll typically need to apply cortisone creams or ointments twice day to the affected area. Your doctor would probably advise you to just take these drugs twice a week after a few weeks in order to avoid a recurrence.
  • Tacrolimus (Protopic): Your doctor can recommend an ointment like tacrolimus if corticosteroid treatment doesn't work or if months of corticosteroid medication are required (Protopic).


Symptoms
Scarring,Bleeding,Crinkled skin,Bleeding,Soreness,Discomfort,Blisters,Itching,Purple and red bruises,Small, shiny spots that develop into white patches of thinned
Conditions
Condition spread all over the body
Drugs
Corticosteroid ointments or creams,Tacrolimus (Protopic)

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