Liche sclerosus is a lifelong inflammatory condition that affects genitals. It can cause white patches to form and can cause itching, soreness and splitting. The condition affects men and women but affects women over 50.
Lichen sclerosis may be caused by the immune system attacking and damaging your skin. The condition is not contagious or caused by an infection or poor personal hygiene. In 2016 Clare Baumhaeur experienced a tear that did not heal.
A GP told her she had herpes and went to a sexual health clinic. She was eventually diagnosed with lichen and vulval cancer. If she had been diagnosed earlier, she may have been diagnosed before stage three.
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