Print OverviewLichen sclerosus (LIE-kun skluh-ROW-sus) is a condition that causes patchy, discolored, thin skin. It usually affects the genital and anal areas. Anyone can get lichen sclerosus but postmenopausal women are at higher risk. It isn't contagious and can't be spread through sexual contact. Treatment is usually a medicated ointment. This treatment helps return the skin to its usual color and reduces the risk of scarring. Even if your symptoms clear up, they tend to come back. So you'll likely need long-term follow-up care.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic Symptoms Lichen sclerosus Enlarge image Close Lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition characterized by discolored, blotchy patches of skin. Lichen sclerosus in genital area Enlarge image Close Lichen sclerosus in genital area Lichen sclerosus in genital area Lichen sclerosus may affect skin on any part of your body but often involves the skin of the genital area. It's possible to have mild lichen sclerosus with no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually affect the skin of the genital and anal areas. The back, shoulders, upper arms and breasts may also be affected. Symptoms may include: Smooth discolored skin patches Blotchy, wrinkled skin patches Itching Soreness or a burning feeling Easy bruising Fragile skin Changes in the tube for urine flow (urethra) Bleeding, blistering or open sores Painful sex When to see a doctorSee your health care provider if you have symptoms of lichen sclerosus. If you've already been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus, see your health care provider every 6 to 12 months. These visits are important to check for any skin changes or side effects of treatment. Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry CausesThe exact cause of lichen sclerosus isn't known. It's likely a combination of factors, including an overactive immune system, your genetic makeup, and previous skin damage or irritation. Lichen sclerosus isn't contagious and can't be spread through sexual contact. Risk factorsAnyone can get lichen sclerosus, but the risk is higher for: Postmenopausal women Children younger than 10 years old Women who have another autoimmune disease, such as forms of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) Men with urinary incontinence or an uncircumcised penis People with a family history of the disease ComplicationsComplications of lichen sclerosus include painful sex and scarring, including covering of the clitoris. Scarring of the penis can cause painful erection, poor urine flow and an inability to retract the foreskin. People with vulvar lichen sclerosus are also at an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma. In children, constipation is a common complication. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Sept. 18, 2024 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans). Mayo Clinic; 2021. Lichen sclerosus. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/psoriasis-and-scaling-diseases/lichen-sclerosus. Accessed July 25, 2022. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Morphea and lichen sclerosus. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 9th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed July 25, 2022. Lewis FM, et al. British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus, 2018. British Journal of Dermatology; doi:10.1111/bjd.16241. Kelly AP, et al., eds. Genital lesions in women. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed July 25, 2022. Cooper SM, et al. Vulvar lichen sclerosus. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 4, 2021. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Aug. 12, 2022. Related Lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus in genital area Associated Procedures Circumcision (male) Needle biopsy Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Lichen sclerosusSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry