What causes lichens sclerosis?

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.

What kind of trauma can cause lichen sclerosus?

Trauma and chronic irritation have also been linked to being contributory factors of vulvar lichen sclerosus. Cases of the skin condition have been reported in patients with genital jewelry, postsurgical procedures, and genital trauma.

Is lichen sclerosis caused by stress?

Health experts suggest that several factors may cause LS: Genetic factors: LS seems to occur more frequently in certain families. A person may be predisposed to getting the condition because of their genes. Such people may get LS symptoms when exposed to any injury, stress, or sexual abuse.

Why does lichen sclerosus flare up?

What can aggravate lichen sclerosus? Irritants such as soap, detergents, shower gels and bubble baths can aggravate lichen sclerosus, so using these irritants should be avoided. Friction or damage to the skin can make it worse so overzealous washing and drying of the vaginal or anal area should be avoided.

How do you prevent lichen sclerosus from spreading?

Cortisone ointment applied to the vulva can provide relief and stop lichen sclerosus from getting worse. This is a lifelong treatment and you will need to apply cortisone regularly (often once or twice a week) even when you have no symptoms.

Can lichen sclerosus be caused by trauma?

The cause of lichen sclerosus (LS) is not clear; health care providers suspect that a number of factors may be involved. Genetic factors — LS seems to be more common in some families. People who are genetically predisposed to LS may develop symptoms after experiencing trauma, injury, or sexual abuse.

Is Vaseline good for lichen sclerosus?

These self-care tips may help, whether you are undergoing treatment or not: Apply lubricant (petroleum jelly, A and D ointment, Aquaphor) to the affected area. Gently wash the affected area daily and pat dry. Avoid harsh soaps and bathing too much.

How do you deal with lichen sclerosus?

These self-care tips may help, whether you are undergoing treatment or not:

Apply lubricant (petroleum jelly, A and D ointment, Aquaphor) to the affected area.
Gently wash the affected area daily and pat dry.
Ease burning and pain with oatmeal solutions, sitz baths, ice packs or cool compresses.

How does lichen sclerosus affect the body?

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.

How many people are affected by lichen sclerosus?

The exact number of people with lichen sclerosus is unknown. It has been estimated that between 1 in 300 to 1 in 1000 people have lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus most often affects women between the ages of 40 and 60, although children and men can also be affected.

Is there a cure for lichen sclerosus?

There is no cure for lichen sclerosus. Healthcare providers can treat symptoms, but they may return after treatment. People with lichen sclerosus have an increased risk of developing a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

What autoimmune disease causes lichen sclerosus?

Thus the question of “what autoimmune disease causes lichen sclerosus” cannot be answered. However, lichen sclerosus has been associated with several autoimmune diseases, namely alopecia areata, vitiligo, thyroid disorders, pernicious anemia, diabetes mellitus and celiac disease.