Is lichen sclerosus an autoimmune disease?

Is lichen sclerosus an autoimmune disease?

The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is not known. Most research indicates it is an autoimmune condition.

Is lichen sclerosus caused by an overactive immune system?

The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role. Previous skin damage at a particular site on your skin may increase the likelihood of lichen sclerosus at that location. Lichen sclerosus isn't contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse.

Is lichen sclerosus a chronic disease?

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects five to ten times as many women (most frequently postmenopausal) as men. However, it can develop in people of any age, including infants and children.

Is lichen sclerosus et Atrophicus curable?

Treatments. Although there's no cure for lichen sclerosus, there are treatments that can help. If you have it on your genitals, you should get it treated, even if you don't have symptoms. When left untreated, it can lead to problems with sex or urination.

What type of autoimmune disease causes lichen sclerosus?

The most common autoimmune diseases associated with lichen sclerosus are autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. In addition to an autoimmune factor, it appears that genetics has a pathogenetic role as well.

Is Thyroid an autoimmune disease?

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Rarely, the disease can cause hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. Thyroid hormones control how your body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body—even the way your heart beats.

What diseases are considered autoimmune?

Examples of autoimmune diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis. ...
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). ...
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ...
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). ...
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus. ...
• Guillain-Barre syndrome. ...
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. ...
• Psoriasis.

What autoimmune disease is lichen sclerosus?

The most common autoimmune diseases associated with lichen sclerosus are autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. In addition to an autoimmune factor, it appears that genetics has a pathogenetic role as well.

Can lichen sclerosus spread to other parts of the body?

This condition often affects the genital and anal areas. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a common form of the condition that affects a woman's external genital areas. Less often, lichen sclerosus can affect other parts of the body. These may include the neck, shoulder, breast, thighs, or mouth.

Is lichen sclerosus caused by stress?

Health experts suggest that several factors may cause LS: Genetic factors: LS seems to occur more frequently in certain families. A person may be predisposed to getting the condition because of their genes. Such people may get LS symptoms when exposed to any injury, stress, or sexual abuse.