Extragenital Lichen Sclerosus: A Review of the Literature

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and mucous membranes of unknown etiology. The disease most often affects the genital area, but the extragenital form of the disease is diagnosed in approximately 15–20% of patients. Extragenital lichen sclerosus manifests as porcelain-white papules that form plaques. The lesions can enlarge, affecting extensive areas of the skin. Characteristic lesions may be accompanied by hemorrhagic spots, blisters, and erosions. To date, extragenital lichen sclerosus—particularly the bullous variant—poses a therapeutic challenge for clinicians, characterized by high resistance to treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the currently available knowledge about extragenital lichen sclerosus and its treatment methods.