Lichen Sclerosus

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 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.

by 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.

3/12/17 by Anita Corte-Degen 1420

4/7/17 by Beabow 1000

LS should not shorten the patient’s life.

10/7/17 by Cindy 3050

Lichen Sclerosus does not affect length of life.

10/8/17 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'.

10/9/17 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.

8/25/18 by Tbreck 2500

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

10/11/18 by Allicia 2500

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

4/26/19 by Kelly 3100

Normal life expectancy

4/28/19 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.

5/26/19 by Emma 3560

Same as anyone else. However it does increase stress levels

6/12/19 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.

8/22/19 by Diann 2500

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