Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin condition that can affect skin on any body part – more often than not, a person may be diagnosed with LS on their stomach, back or even on their genitals. Men, women or children may be diagnosed with LS. When LS affects the genitals, it can make erections painful among men and can make vaginal intercourse painful (or even tear-inducing) among women.
A particularly frustrating aspect of this condition is that there is little understanding about how it develops. This new research study, however, suggests that there may be a link – at least among young women with LS – between oral contraceptives (the birth control pill) and the development of LS. You may read the abstract here and you can read more about LS here.
