Who does LS most often affect?

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.

Although listed as a “rare” disease, women who are diagnosed, and some doctors who treat it, believe LS is more common than is currently stated. Lack of getting a proper diagnosis the first time means there is a large segment of the population walking around with LS unknowingly.

Is there a treatment or cure?

As of right now Lichen Sclerosus is incurable, but symptoms can be alleviated temporarily with proper medication and consistent physical therapy.

How does someone get LS?

Researchers do not know what causes LS. The current leading thought is that LS is an autoimmune disease with a genetic and/or trauma-induced component. It is not a sexually transmitted infection or contagious. There is not a way to insight LS, it is just bad luck.

How does LS impact day-to-day life?

Managing the symptoms of a chronic illness is an extremely difficult life altering responsibility that is often overlooked, stigmatized, or forgotten entirely. Having a LS diagnoses greatly impacts a woman’s physical, mental, and sexual wellness.

Learning how to live with the physical discomfort and pain as well as managing the hopelessness that pairs with an under-researched and incurable diagnosis is an extremely life altering weight to carry that many struggle to relate to.

How can I better support someone with a chronic illness like LS?

The best way you can offer support to those who battle a chronic illness is by seeking to lead with a listening heart and follow with validation. Offering small mechanisms of reassurance and acts of service may provide a relief/comfort to someone who may feel that they struggle to carry the emotional & physical burden of their illness 24/7. Support may be as simple as putting away their laundry or bringing them ice cream.

Further information and support for LS specifically can be found at: https://www.lssupport.net/