Genital Itchiness: What You Need to Know About Lichen Sclerosus

These antibodies, one of the hallmarks of autoimmune diseases, are called autoantibodies.">autoantibodies, a sign of an autoimmune disorder.

Sometimes the condition occurs in areas of the skin that have already experienced trauma, such as sunburn or radiation damage. It also appears to have some genetic component, since it is more common in families. Because LS is most common in postmenopausal women and young girls, researchers suspect it might be related to the low estrogen levels that occur during these times of life.

Since LS is also sometimes seen in the late stages of Lyme disease, it may follow a tick bite and possibly be induced by the bacterial spirochete, Borrrelia burgdorferi, found in Lyme disease. Case reports of LS from around the world have been linked to other Borrrelia species.

Treatment for LS
LS is usually treated with medication to relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening—even if you don't have noticeable symptoms. It is especially important to treat LS that occurs in the genital area to prevent scarring, which can interfere with urination or sex.

The primary medications used to treat LS are high-potency corticosteroid creams or ointments, such as clobetasol propionate (Cormax, Temovate) or betamethasone dipropionate (Diprosone, Diprolene). The ointments usually are applied daily for several weeks and then twice a week for an extended period to prevent recurrence. Side effects include burning, irritation, dryness, flaking, discoloration and thinning of the skin, but doctors report the main side effect is a short-term burning sensation. Sometimes steroid injections are given if steroid ointments are not effective.