LICHEN SCLEROSUS ET ATROPHICUS AND RELATED DISORDERS

Abstract

FOR MANY years confusion has existed concerning the relationship of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus to balanitis xerotica obliterans, kraurosis penis and vulvae, atrophic lichen planus, and guttate morphea. The purpose of this paper is to review the clinical and histologic features of these diseases and to discuss their relationship. LICHEN SCLEROSUS ET ATROPHICUS The paper by Montgomery and Hill 1 was a great help in clearing the confusion which existed in the terminology applied to lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. In reviewing the literature they found that names which had been applied to this disease included lichen planus sclerosus et atrophicus, lichen planus morphoeicus, white spot disease, Unna's card-like scleroderma, lichen albus of von Zumbusch, and chronic atrophic lichenoid dermatitis of Csillag. Apparently most dermatologists now feel that these terms should be abandoned, especially white spot disease which has been used loosely to include both lichen sclerosus and guttate morphea. The