Genital lichen sclerosus developing around 'ectopic' urethral orifices supports the role of occlusion and urine in its pathogenesis

Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Aug;28(9):940-942. doi: 10.1177/0956462416688159. Epub 2017 Jan 12.

Abstract

Several factors such as genetic susceptibility, autoimmunity, hormones, infections, local trauma, urine, and occlusion have been speculated to play a role in the pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus. We report two male patients with lichen sclerosus around 'ectopic' urethral openings and the opposing surfaces of the penile shaft and scrotum, providing further evidence in support of urine and occlusion as contributing factors in the development of lichen sclerosus.

Keywords: Lichen sclerosus; occlusion; urine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Biopsy
  • Clobetasol / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / diagnosis*
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / drug therapy
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / etiology
  • Male
  • Penis / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urethra / pathology
  • Urethral Stricture / etiology
  • Urethral Stricture / pathology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Clobetasol