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Lichen Sclerosus
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: (301)299-0775
Fax: (301)299-3999
Email: mate@nva.org
Internet: http://www.nva.org
National Women's Health Resource Center
157 Broad Street,
Suite 106
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Tel: (732)530-3425
Fax: (732)530-3347
Tel: (877)986-9472
Email: gcassidy@healthywomen.org
Internet: http://www.healthywomen.org
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Ave.
Eastpointe, MI 48021
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
1413 K Street, NW
4th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
USA
Tel: (202)682-2640
Fax: (202)682-2648
Email: nwhn@nwhn.org
Internet: http://www.womenshealthnetwork.org
NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Information Clearinghouse
One AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
USA
Tel: (301)495-4484
Fax: (301)718-6366
Tel: (877)226-4267
TDD: (301)565-2966
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov/
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
International Scleroderma Network
7455 France Ave So #266
Edina, MN 55435-4702
Tel: (952)583-5735
Tel: (800)564-7099
Email: isn@sclero.org
Internet: http://www.sclero.org
AutoImmunity Community
Email: moderator@autoimmunitycommunity.org
Internet: http://www.autoimmunitycommunity.org
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
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
Copyright 1986, 1988, 1989, 1996, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.