Lichen sclerosus

"BXO" redirects here. For other uses, see BXO (disambiguation).
Lichen sclerosus
Other namesBalanitis xerotica obliterans, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, lichen plan atrophique, lichen plan scléreux, Kartenblattförmige Sklerodermie, Weissflecken Dermatose, lichen albus, lichen planus sclerosus et atrophicus, dermatitis lichenoides chronica atrophicans, kraurosis vulvae
Micrograph of lichen sclerosus showing the characteristic subepithelial sclerosis (right/bottom of image). H&E stain.
SpecialtyGynaecology

Lichen sclerosus (LSc ) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease, of disputed cause, which can affect any body part of any person, but has a strong predilection for the genitals (penis, vulva); it has historically been called balanitis xerotica obliterans when it affects the penis. LSc is not contagious. There is a well-documented increase of genital cancer risk in LSc, potentially much reduced with early diagnosis and effective, definitive treatment, especially in men. LSc in adult age women is held to be incurable, although treatment can lessen its effects, and it often gets progressively worse if not treated properly. Most males with mild or intermediate disease, restricted to the foreskin or the glans penis can be cured by either medical or surgical treatment.

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