What is the life expectancy of someone with Lichen Sclerosus?

Life expectancy of people with Lichen Sclerosus and recent progresses and researches in Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the genital and anal areas. It is more common in women, especially postmenopausal women, but can also occur in men and children. LS is not a life-threatening condition, and life expectancy is not directly affected by it. However, if left untreated or poorly managed, LS can lead to complications such as scarring, discomfort, pain, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. It is crucial for individuals with LS to seek proper medical care, follow treatment plans, and regularly monitor their condition to maintain a good quality of life and minimize potential complications.

Lichen sclerosus is a condition that causes patches of thin, white, and wrinkled skin, usually on the genitals and anus. It can affect anyone, but it is more common in women after menopause. Lichen sclerosus is not contagious and does not spread through sexual contact.

The life expectancy of someone with lichen sclerosus is not affected by the condition itself, as it is not a life-threatening disease. However, lichen sclerosus can cause complications that may impact the quality of life and health of the affected person. These include:

Pain and itching that can interfere with daily activities and sleep
Scarring and narrowing of the genital or anal opening that can cause problems with urination, defecation, or sexual intercourse
Infections due to breaks in the skin or poor hygiene
Bleeding and blisters due to friction or trauma
Cancer of the vulva or penis, which is rare but more likely in people with lichen sclerosus

Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you have symptoms of lichen sclerosus and follow your doctor’s advice on how to manage your condition.

There is no cure for lichen sclerosus, but there are treatments that can help reduce or control the symptoms and prevent complications. These include:

Corticosteroid creams or ointments that reduce inflammation and itching and improve the appearance of the skin
Immunomodulators that suppress the immune system and may help in cases that do not respond to corticosteroids
Antibiotics or antifungals that treat infections caused by bacteria or fungi
Painkillers or anti-itch medications that relieve pain and itching
Surgery that removes scar tissue or cancerous lesions or widens the genital or anal opening

The effectiveness of these treatments may vary from person to person and may have side effects or risks. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor the best option for your case.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition that can affect your physical and emotional well-being. However, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and self-care, you can live with lichen sclerosus and reduce its impact on your health and happiness.

Diseasemaps

Lichen Sclerosus is geen levensbedreigende aandoening, wel kan bij een klein percentage patiënten vulvakanker ontstaan (bij ca. 2 tot 6 %). Er is een nieuw smeerschema waarbij er intermitterend word doorgesmeerd, dat betekend een aantal achtereenvolgende dagen per week (3 à 4) met corticosteroïden (DermovateZALF) en vette zalf smeren en een aantal dagen (3 à 4) achtereen alleen met vette zalf smeren, óók als er géén of nauwelijks klachten zijn.

Posted Mar 12, 2017 by Anita Corte-Degen 1420

Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Beabow 1000

LS should not shorten the patient’s life.

Posted Oct 7, 2017 by Cindy 3050

Lichen Sclerosus does not affect length of life.

Posted Oct 8, 2017 by LBelle 1550

A long life if LS symptons minimised and maintained. Ignoring it or mistreating LS can lead to other more dangerous conditions such as 'cancer of the vulva'.

Posted Oct 9, 2017 by annie-mcg 2000

Honestly, from what I know it doesn’t change your life expectancy. You can get it at any age, many people have lived years with this disease.

Posted Aug 25, 2018 by Tbreck 2500

There is a slight chance of getting vulva cancer. There is a normal life expectancy.

Posted Oct 11, 2018 by Allicia 2500

This disease is not known well enough for data on life expectancy, it is a prelude to possible cancer.

Posted Apr 26, 2019 by Kelly 3100

Normal life expectancy

Posted Apr 28, 2019 by Debbie 1680

LS doesn't affect life expectancy. The only reasons to be concerned are if you show symptoms of Vulval Cancer especially if you have a sore or ulcer that lasts longer than a month. it's especially important to check your vulva once a month and note any changes. The earlier Vulval Cancer is diagnosed the better the outcome.

Posted May 26, 2019 by Emma 3560

Same as anyone else. However it does increase stress levels

Posted Jun 12, 2019 by Ljstafford 1600

I feel that ones life expectancy is controlled by their life style and comorbidity. Will LS kill you, NO. However, if yours grows into cancer like mine did then life gets compromised. The chemo damaged my kidneys. The cancer recurs every 2 years in a different area. My expectancy is cut short not by LS itself but the secondary issues becasue of the LS. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the vulvar is mostly caused by LS. if untreated the cancer invades the lymph nodes and head to the lungs. Once you get the CSCC it may recur the 2nd time within 10 years After the 2nd or 3rd removal the 2 year recurring rate goes 61.9 %. It is not easy surgery. you must be constant aware of increased pain, itching, bleeding and changes in the color. Remember this is the figure 8 disease that may include the entire genital area and the peranall area.

Posted Aug 22, 2019 by Diann 2500