What are the common symptoms of lichen sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that predominantly affects the genital and anal areas, particularly in women. The hallmark symptoms of this condition include intense itching, discomfort or pain, and the presence of white patches on the vulva.

The itching can be quite severe and often leads to skin damage from excessive scratching. The white patches result from epidermal atrophy and sclerosis, which is the thickening and hardening of the skin. This combination of symptoms often prompts individuals to seek medical attention, as the discomfort can significantly affect quality of life.

In contrast, while other symptoms like excessive dryness may occur due to skin changes, they are not the primary manifestations of lichen sclerosus. Foul odor or discoloration is more characteristic of other conditions, rather than lichen sclerosus itself.