Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of disputed cause that can affect any body part but has a strong tendency to affect the genitals, where it has historically been called balanitis xerotica obliterans when it affects the penis. It is not contagious, and there is a well-documented increase in genital cancer risk with the disease, potentially reduced with early diagnosis and effective treatment, especially in men. Lichen sclerosus in adult women is considered incurable, though treatment can lessen its effects, while most males with mild or intermediate disease restricted to the foreskin or glans penis can be cured by medical or surgical treatment.