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Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that causes itchy white patches, most commonly on the genitals. There's no cure, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms of 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

Having sex can be painful because the vulva may shrink or tighten. In men, the foreskin may tighten making erections painful.

See what lichen sclerosus looks like on the vulva, foreskin and anus
A vulva held open with gloved fingers, showing a white patch at the bottom of the vagina. The person has white skin.
Lichen sclerosus patch on the vulva.
A penis with a white patch on the foreskin. The person has medium brown skin.
A white patch (lichen sclerosus) on the foreskin.
A large, discoloured, white patch of skin below and beside the anus. Image of a person with white skin.
A large white patch around the anus.

Things you can do to help with lichen sclerosus

If you have lichen sclerosus, there are some things you can do to help stop your skin becoming irritated or damaged.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:

  • 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 using a strong prescription steroid ointment usually helps relieve the symptoms.

You may need to use the ointment regularly for a few months to get your symptoms under control. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to use the ointment.

After the initial treatment period, you may need to use other products, such as a weaker steroid ointment or a moisturising cream, to help manage your symptoms.

Follow your doctor's advice about how and when to use any medicine that's prescribed for you.

Information:

Find out more

Lichen sclerosus guide: for adults with vulval lichen sclerosus

Problems caused by lichen sclerosus

Although treatment for lichen sclerosus can help, the affected skin can sometimes become scarred and tight over time.

The vulva may shrink, with the clitoris and small inner lips (labia minora) around the opening of the vagina often affected.

The scarring and tightness can cause discomfort when peeing, pooing and during sex. Having an erection can be painful.

If lichen sclerosus is severe, you might need a small operation, such as surgery to widen your vagina or remove your foreskin (circumcision).

Cancer and lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus increases your risk of getting cancer on your vulva, penis or anus.

The risk is low, but it's a good idea to check yourself regularly and see a GP if you're worried.

Symptoms to look for include a lump, a change in skin texture, such as thickening, or an ulcer that does not go away.

Find out about vulval cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer.

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 caused by an infection
  • not contagious – you cannot spread it to other people through close contact, including sex
  • not caused by poor personal hygiene

Rubbing or damage to the skin can trigger lichen sclerosus or make it worse.

Page last reviewed: 9 December 2024
Next review due: 9 December 2027