Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is Lichen Sclerosus?

    Related Topics
    Vulval Conditions Women's Health
    • 1 answer
    • Women's Health Queensland Wide
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 4

    Thanks

    Women's Health Queensland Wide

    Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    The main symptom of lichen sclerosus is severe itching. Scratching can result in broken skin, burning or stinging, pain during sex and/or urination. Lichen sclerosus is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. It affects women of all ages but is primarily found in post-menopausal women. Lichen sclerosus can be misdiagnosed as thrush however, on inspection, the skin is dry, shiny, finely wrinkled and may have white patches. If left untreated lichen sclerosus can cause severe scarring of the vulva (including the shrinking of the labia and narrowing of the vaginal entrance). It is also associated with a small increased risk of vulval cancer. Treatment involves the use of a topical steroid and is often life-long. Once a woman is diagnosed with lichen sclerosus she should undergo regular reviews, even if asymptomatic, to ensure the condition is under control and no cancerous changes have occurred.

    For more information Queensland women can call the Health Information on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane) or visit www.womhealth.org.au.
     
    Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions
Community Contributor

Empowering Australians to make better health choices