Lichen Sclerosus

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Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Lichen Sclerosus is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

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: 3012990775

Fax: 3012993999

Email: mate@nva.org

Internet: 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

Tel: (877)986-9472

Email: mchin@healthywomen.org

Internet: 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

Tel: (800)598-4668

Email: aarda@aarda.org

Internet: http://www.aarda.org/



National Women's Health Network

514 10th Street NW

Suite 400

Washington, D.C. 20004

USA

Tel: 2026287814

Fax: 2023471168

Email: nwhn@nwhn.org

Internet: http://www.womenshealthnetwork.org



NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse

1 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3675

USA

Tel: 3014954484

Fax: 3017186366

Tel: 8772264267

TDD: 3015652966

Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov

Internet: 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: 9203365333

Fax: 9203390995

Tel: 8773365333

Email: mums@netnet.net

Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/



AutoImmunity Community



Tel: (919)-55-2-9057

Email: bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org

Internet: 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

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Last updated:	April 23, 2004