Lichen Sclerosus Et Atrophicus

Lichen Sclerosus Et Atrophicus1

Lichen Sclerosus Et Atrophicus2


General Information
Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus is a chronic skin disease that causes pale to white plaques with epidermal atrophy. LSA may appear on areas such as the neck, under the breast, in folds of the body, and in the perianal and vulva. Itching may occur in some patients, but it is not common. If located in the genital areas thinning and shrinking may occur which may produce some pain. The cause is unknown but has been linked with an autoimmune process or an injury. Treatments consist of topical ointments, antipruritics, corticosteroids and testosterone to the affected area.

Epidemiology
Women are more commonly affected, ages 40-60. Male to female ratio 1:6

Etiology
Unknown

Pathogenesis
Altered fibroblast function, microvascular changes, and hyaluronic acid accumulation in the upper dermis

Clinical
Pale white elevations that may be flat and glistening

Histology
Lichenoid infiltrate in the dermal-epidermal junction, compact hyperkeratosis with stratum corneum

Bibliography
1. “Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus” (Online). December 2006. http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic234.htm (visited: March 20, 2008) 2. “Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus” (Online). http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/327/main.html (visited: March 20, 2008)

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