This leaflet provides essential information about lichen sclerosus in females, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and self-care tips.
Produced by Gynaecology Department
Information Version
Date of Issue: June 2026
Review Date: October 2029
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published
What is Lichen Sclerosus?
A chronic inflammatory skin condition mainly affecting the vulva and around the anus.
Can start in childhood or after menopause, causing skin thinning, white shiny patches, and tissue loss.Symptoms include severe itching, soreness, skin tearing, and, in some cases, narrowing of the vaginal entrance or difficulty urinating.
In children, constipation is common; non-genital patches are rare and usually symptomless.
Causes and Risk Factors
Exact cause unknown; may be linked to immune system diseases but not proven auto-immune.Not contagious, infection, allergy, or hormonal.Friction or skin damage can trigger or worsen it (Koebner response). Hereditary links are rare.
Diagnosis and management
Usually diagnosed by appearance; biopsy may be needed if uncertain. No cure exists, but symptoms are controlled with steroid ointments, especially clobetasol.
What does lichen planus look like?
When the skin around the anus is affected, it is described as ‘a figure of eight pattern’. Skin fragility and scratching may lead to breaking of some small blood vessels in the skin which appear as tiny blood blisters. Occasionally, blisters and small cracks called fissures can be seen. If not treated, there may be a change in the normal appearance of the vulva.
Treatment involves an initial intensive course, then maintenance with less frequent application. Emollients protect skin; avoiding irritants and careful hygiene are important.
Self-care and monitoring
Avoid scented products, panty liners, and harsh soaps.Dry skin thoroughly, use barrier creams, and lubricants for painful intercourse.Regular skin checks are vital due to small risk of skin cancer; report persistent changes.
Other lichen sclerosus links
NHS Fife kindly reproduces this information based on accurate information about the subject compiled from a consensus of the views held by representatives of the British Association of Dermatologists: individual patient circumstances may differ, which might alter both the advice and course of therapy given to you by your doctor.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
Learn how to create a shortcut to a web page you visit regularly -
Video - create a shortcut icon on your mobile phone.
