Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that can cause a range of issues that can affect the skin on your:

Vulva (the area outside your vagina).
Penis.
Foreskin.
Urethra.
Anus.

It often looks like a discolored, thin, itchy and scaly patch. Blisters and sores (usually from persistent itching) may also form on your genitals. But rarely do these symptoms appear on other body parts.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic (life-long) condition. Without treatment, it can lead to scarring, making it difficult or painful to have sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement (poop). Untreated lichen sclerosus can also increase your chances of developing a type of skin cancer (penile cancer and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma). There isn’t a cure for lichen sclerosus, though treatment can help manage your symptoms.

Other names for lichen sclerosus include balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) and white spot disease.

What does lichen sclerosus look like?

When lichen sclerosus first appears, it looks like small, white, shiny, slightly raised spots on your genitals or anus. Over time, more spots may develop and eventually join together to form a white patch that looks like wrinkly parchment or tissue paper.

How common is lichen sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus isn’t common. About 200,000 people in the United States have it.

Even if you have several risk factors, lichen sclerosus is still rare.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Request an appointment

Diagnosis & treatment

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community.