Experiences with
Lichen sclerosusCheck if you have lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus affects people of all ages, including children. But it's much more common in women over 50.
People with white, brown or black skin can get lichen sclerosus.
It causes patches on the skin that are usually:
- itchy
- white
- smooth or crinkled
- easily damaged – they may bleed or hurt if rubbed or scratched
The patches can appear anywhere, but most often are on the:
- area around the opening to the vagina (vulva) and anus
- foreskin and end of the penis
Things you can do to help with lichen sclerosus
To help stop your skin becoming irritated or damaged:
wash with an emollient soap substitute instead of regular soap – ask a doctor or pharmacist about suitable products
gently dab your genitals dry after peeing
regularly apply a barrier cream or ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to affected areas
wear cotton or silk underwear
use vaginal lubricant if sex is uncomfortable
do not scratch or rub the affected skin
do not wear tight or restrictive clothes – it may help to wear stockings rather than tights
do not wash your underwear with detergent – just use water
do not do activities like cycling or horse riding until your symptoms have improved
- an itchy white patch on your genitals or skin
- been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus and treatment is not helping
- been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus and have pain when going to the toilet or having sex
A GP may refer you to a specialist for tests and treatment.
Treatment for lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus cannot be cured, but prescription steroid cream usually helps relieve the symptoms.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, follow the directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine.
You may need to use the cream regularly for a few months to get your symptoms under control.
If your symptoms keep coming back, you may have to keep using it every now and again.
You can get more cream from a GP if you need it.
Causes of lichen sclerosus
The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown.
It might be caused by your immune system, the body's defence against infection, mistakenly attacking and damaging your skin.
Lichen sclerosus is not:
- contagious – you cannot spread it to other people
- caused by poor personal hygiene
Symptoms of lichen sclerosus include itchy white patches around the genitals or anus that may bleed if scratched.
There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms of lichen sclerosus, including using an emollient soap substitute instead of regular soap.
There's no cure for lichen sclerosus, but you can ease symptoms with prescription steroid cream.
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