Extragenital Lichen Sclerosus and Atrophicus Treated with Topical Steroids and Retinoids in a Child with Vitiligo

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus and atrophicus (LSA) most commonly affects the anogenital region. Extragenital involvement is rare, and women are reported to be affected 6 to 10 times more often than men. The aetiology of LSA is unclear, but genetic, physiological and environmental factors are thought to be involved. Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis of an autoimmune basis for LSA; an increased incidence of tissue-specific antibodies and an association with autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo, alopecia areata, thyroid disease and pernicious anaemia have been reported. We describe a paediatric patient with extragenital LSA associated with vitiligo who was successfully treated with topical steroids and retinoids.