Linchen Sclerosus Flashcards
What type of condition is it?
Inflammatory, autoimmune disease
Where does it usually affect?
The genitalia - the vulva
Who is it more common in?
Elderly females
What does it cause?
Atrophy of the epidermis
How does it present?
Sore, itchy white plaques
Is a biopsy necessary?
No not if diagnosis can be made clinically.
Biopsy required if failure to respond to treatment or suspicion of VIN or cancer
What is the first line treatment?
Strong topical steroid e.g topical clobetasol propionate
What is second line?
In 4-10% of women the disease will be resistant to steroids, so topical tacrolimus second line = immunosuppressive drug
What complications can occur?
Infections e.g Candida albicans, herpes simplex
Squamous cell carcinoma - increased risk of vulval, penile or anal cancer
