Lichen scelrosus is a skin condition that generally affects the skin around the vulva and anus. It is uncommon and can not be spread from person to person. It usually occurs in females and develops before they reach puberty.
The vulva includes all the outer genitals in females including the vagina and urethra (where wee drains from).
Lichen sclerosus is thought to be an autoimmune condition. It can run in families. Lichen sclerosus is not an infection and can’t be spread between people.
Lichen sclerosus causes a rash that most often looks like white patches on the skin. The rash can be anywhere on the body but commonly affects the skin around the vulva and bottom. It does not affect the inside of the vagina.
Other symptoms that occur with lichen sclerosus include:
The general health of tamariki with lichen sclerosus is usually otherwise normal.
If you suspect your child has lichen sclerosus, see your doctor. Lichen sclerosus can be diagnosed by inspection. Rarely, a small skin sample (biopsy) may be taken to confirm the diagnosis. It is important that you take your child to the doctor if they show signs of lichen sclerosus.
If lichen sclerosus is diagnosed, your child will need regular yearly checks with the doctor. If it is left untreated, it can cause scarring around the vagina.
The doctor may prescribe a strong steroid ointment for your child. Steroid ointment can be a successful treatment for lichen sclerosus. The ointment often needs to be used daily at first, but it may be required less often over time.
Current research suggests that lichen sclerosus will resolve in 2 out of 3 females once they start having periods. This applies to those with lichen sclerosus around the genital area. However, some tamariki may continue to have lichen sclerosus past puberty.
Because the vulva can become irritated and inflamed when it is affected by lichen scelrosus, it is important to protect the skin.
Tamariki with lichen sclerosus should avoid using the following:
Alternatives that tamariki with lichen sclerosus can use are:
See the KidsHealth page on vulval skin care for more information [1]
Illustration by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
This page last reviewed 31 August 2023.
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Links
[1] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/vulval-skin-care-children
[2] https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lichen-sclerosus
[3] https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Lichen_sclerosus/
[4] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2826%3Flanguage%3Dton