Lichen sclerosus of vulva

Definition

Lichen sclerosus of the vulva is an inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology affecting the skin of the vulva and perianal area. Typically it affects women in the fifth and sixth decades of life though is not uncommon in prepubertal girls. It presents with pruritus, soreness or dyspareunia. The affected skin is white and atrophic, though secondary changes including maceration, purpura and erosion may dominate the clinical picture. In longstanding cases there may be marked shrinkage of the vulva, labial fusion and an increased risk of malignant transformation.

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