People with mild lichen sclerosus may have no signs or symptoms.

Signs and symptoms usually affect the skin of the genital and anal areas, but may also affect the skin of the upper body, upper arms and breasts. They may include:

• Redness
• Itching (pruritus), which can be severe
• Discomfort or pain
• Smooth white patches on your skin
• Blotchy, wrinkled patches
• Tearing or bleeding
• In severe cases, bleeding, blistering or ulcerated sores
• Painful sex

The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role. Previous skin damage at a particular site on your skin may increase the likelihood of lichen sclerosus at that location.

Lichen sclerosus isn't contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse.

Lichen sclerosus often occurs in postmenopausal women, but also in men and children. In women, lichen sclerosus usually involves the vulva. In boys and men, uncircumcised males are most at risk, because the condition generally affects the foreskin.

In children, the signs and symptoms may improve at puberty, but they will still need monitoring for disease activity.

The risk of lichen sclerosus is higher for postmenopausal women, although it can occur in men and children. Men who are uncircumcised have a higher risk because the condition often affects the foreskin.

Complications of lichen sclerosus include painful sex, urinary retention, constipation and an inability to retract the foreskin. People with lichen sclerosus are also at an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the affected area.