Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

Font Size

Lichen Sclerosus

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Lichen Sclerosusis not the name you expected.

Synonyms

Csillag's Disease (Sclerosus)
Guttate Morphea (Sclerosus)
Guttate Scleroderma, Lichen Sclerosus Type
Hallopeau I Disease
Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus
Von Zambusch Disease
White-Spot Disease

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disorder that most commonly affects post-menopausal women. However, it is sometimes identified among pre-menopausal women, and, even more rarely, among males. When found in males, the disease is known as balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Lichen sclerosus is characterized by skin changes of the external genitalia (i.e., vulva, head of the penis), although other parts of the body may also be affected. Intense itching often accompanies attacks of lichen sclerosus. The disorder is not contagious nor is it a sexually transmitted disease. In the recent past, a genetic component for lichen sclerosus has been recognized. In addition, many clinical researchers believe that it is a disorder of the immunological system. The understanding of the causes of this disorder is still incomplete. Lichen sclerosus can develop concurrently with other conditions.

Resources

National Vulvodynia Association
P.O. Box 4491
Silver Spring
MD
20914-4491
USA
Tel: (301)299-0775
Fax: (301)299-3999
mate@nva.org
http://www.nva.org

National Women's Health Resource Center
157 Broad Street
Suite 315
Red Bank
NJ
07701
Tel: (732)530-3425
Fax: (732)530-3347
800: (877)986-9472
mchin@healthywomen.org
http://www.healthywomen.org

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe
MI
48021-2227
Tel: (586)776-3900
Fax: (586)776-3903
800: (800)598-4668
aarda@aarda.org
http://www.aarda.org/

National Women's Health Network
514 10th Street NW
Suite 400
Washington
D.C.
20004
USA
Tel: (202)628-7814
Fax: (202)347-1168
nwhn@nwhn.org
http://www.womenshealthnetwork.org

NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda
MD
20892-3675
USA
Tel: (301)495-4484
Fax: (301)718-6366
800: (877)226-4267
TDD: (301)565-2966
NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info

MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay
WI
54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
800: (877)336-5333
mums@netnet.net
http://www.netnet.net/mums/

AutoImmunity Community
Tel: (919) 552-9057
bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org
http://autoimmunitycommunity.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 4/23/2004
Copyright 1986, 1988, 1989, 1996, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: April 23, 2004

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.