ABSTRACT

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory sclerotic skin disease of unknown origin. It affects all age groups and mostly involves the anogenital region. Childhood LS represents approximately 15% of total cases of the disorder and is seen in a 10:1 ratio of females to males. The etiology is unknown, lesions usually appearing spontaneously without any precipitating factor. Several mechanisms have been studied and suggest a multifactorial origin, including a genetic, autoimmune, hormonal and infectious background. Anogenital LS can be presented with a variety of symptoms. Pruritus and soreness are the most common symptoms reported by patients with LS. There is a variety of opinion for treating LS. Some guidelines still recommend a 3 month therapy with ultra potent topical steroids as the first line treatment of anogenital LS. Latest studies reveal the successful treatment of relapsing severe anogenital LS with topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. This review aims to give an overview of LS in children and to enlighten about some of the new approaches, made on the pathogenesis and especially on its treatment.