Lichen sclerosus is a disease found mainly in the genital and anal areas. It is more common in postmenopausal women, though it can also be found in men and children. Lichen sclerosus causes itching, though a third of patients do not have symptoms. It remains unclear what causes lichen sclerosus, though a number of factors are associated with the condition.
Hormonal
A study published in the "European Journal of Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology" in 2008 showed that hormones may be involved in lichen sclerosus, especially testosterone. This study showed that pre-menopausal women who were on oral contraceptive pills, especially those which blocked testosterone, had an increased risk of developing lichen sclerosus.
Family History
A number of genetic factors have been linked to lichen sclerosus, but no specific gene responsible for the condition has been found as of May 2010. And article published in the "Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology" in 2010 showed that 12 percent of lichen sclerosus patients had a family history of the condition.
Infection
Lichen sclerosus used to be attributed to an infectious agent, as it responded well to a number of antibiotics. A study published in the "Archives of Dermatology" in 2008 showed that early lichen sclerosus was positive for the bacteria Borrelia. However, lichen sclerosus is not contagious even if the lesions test positive for Borrelia.
Autoimmune
Women with lichen sclerosus often have other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, vitiligo and pernicious anemia, but the relationship with other autoimmune diseases appears lower in men. A 2003 study published in the journal "Lancet" showed that patients with lichen sclerosus had auto antibodies against the extracellular matrix protein 1. This protein is important in the structure and function of the skin. Auto antibodies against this protein, therefore, cause the destruction of this protein and result in skin damage.
References
- "European Journal of Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology"; Early onset vulvar lichen sclerosus in premenopausal women and oral contraceptives; March 2008
- "Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Veneralogy"; The High Rate of Familial Lichen Sclerosus Suggests a Genetic Contribution: an Observational Cohort Study; Sherman, et al.; February 2010
- "Archives of Dermatology"; Possible Role of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Infection in Lichen Sclerosus; Eisendle, K. et al.; May 2008
- "Lancet"; Autoantibodies to extracellular matrix protein 1 in lichen sclerosus; Oyama, N. et al.; July 2003
