What causes white patches on labia?
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What causes white patches on labia?
Lichen sclerosus (LIE-kun skluh-ROW-sus) is an uncommon condition that creates patchy, white skin that appears thinner than normal. It usually affects the genital and anal areas. Anyone can get lichen sclerosus but postmenopausal women are at higher risk.
What does white coating on the labia mean?
Smegma is a naturally occurring substance found on the genitals of both men and women. It is the result of a buildup of skin cells, oil secretions, and moisture. If left to build up, smegma can become smelly or lead to an infection. As a result, people should regularly clean the parts of the body where smegma occurs.
Can a yeast infection cause white patches?
The appearance of a yeast infection, or candidiasis, depends on its location. It can cause white patches in the mouth, flaking or crusting of the skin, and a few different changes in genital discharge.
What does early lichen sclerosus look like?
The lesions caused by lichen sclerosus usually begin as small, pinkish or whitish bumps. Over time, they become patchy, wrinkly and white, often resembling tissue paper. These patches tend to be itchy and painful. Because the affected skin is delicate, even light itching may cause bleeding.
What can lichen sclerosus be mistaken for?
Common mimics of lichen sclerosus include vitiligo, severe vulvovaginal atrophy, other lichenification disorders such as lichen planus and lichen simplex chronicus, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.
What is vulvar leukoplakia?
The term vulvar leukoplakia is not a histological but a descriptive diagnosis meaning “white spot”. It is used for non-inflammatory diseases characterized by pathological modification of external genitalia multilayered flat epithelium that is accompanied by skin and mucosa cornification [1].
What is labial sclerosis?
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin disorder that causes the skin to become thin, whitened, and wrinkled, and can cause itching and pain. LS usually occurs in postmenopausal women, although men, children, and premenopausal women may be affected.
