Lichen Sclerosus: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99).

  • Allergic contact dermatitisskin change triggered by skin contact with certain substances.
  • Eczema (here: genital eczema) – group of inflammatory skin diseases that manifest themselves in a non-infectious inflammatory reaction of the skin.
  • Leukoplakia – cornification disorder of the mucous membranes as well as genitals.
  • Lichen planus (LP) – T-cell-mediated autoimmune reaction against the basal epithelial keratinocytes (horn-forming cells); often accompanied by erosions (skin defect) at the introitus vaginae (vaginal entrance), as well as in the chronicized state with reticular hyperkeratosis (Wickham strip).
  • Lichen Vidal (neurodermatitis circumscripta; Lichen chronicus) – areal leathery skin change associated with itching.
  • Localized scleroderma (circumskripte scleroderma; morphea) – chronic disease leading to hardening of connective tissue.
  • Psoriasis vulgaris (psoriasis).
  • Vitiligo (white spot disease)

Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).

  • Thrush (mycosis/fungal infection).

Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – reproductive organs) (N00-N99).

  • Bacterial vaginitis (bacterial vaginitis).
  • Balanoposthitis – inflammation in the area of the glans penis (glans) and prepuce (foreskin).
  • Frenulum breve (shortening of the foreskin frenulum).
  • Physiological phimosis – narrowing of the foreskin, which is physiological in infants and young children.
  • Vulvo-vaginitis- inflammation of the vulva (external genitals of women) and vagina (vagina) (including thrush).

Injuries, poisonings and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T98).

  • “Non-accidental injury”/sexual abuse.

Other differential diagnoses

  • Scars due to surgery, trauma or scarring pemphigoid (blistering skin disease).
  • Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (hyperpigmentation due to previous inflammation).