Lichen Sclerosis
Lichen sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous condition involving anogenital areas affecting women of all ages predominantly postmenopausal women. Lichen sclerosis is associated with risk factors like frequent trauma, hormonal status, autoimmune diseases and infections but the etiology is still not known. It clinically presents as chronic white atrophic patches with soreness and itching in the perianal, vulval and penile regions; also genital scarring and sexual and urinary dysfunction may be seen and may even lead to squamous cell carcinoma. It is clinically diagnosed and skin biopsy can also be done. The treatment modalities include corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors like pimecrolimus and tacrolimus. Potential of non steroidal treatment like Platelet rich plasma therapy, HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound), UV light treatment, energy based modalities like CO2 lasers, surgical measures have also been investigated. In this article an update about clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and emerging treatment options have been provided.