Genital lichen sclerosus in a case of male-to-female gender reassignment

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 Sep;31(5):656-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2006.02176.x. Epub 2006 Jun 15.

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic cutaneous disorder of uncertain aetiology seen predominantly in females. It is characterized by white atrophic macules and plaques with a predilection for involvement of the genitalia and perianal skin. Gender-identity disorder (transsexualism) is a descriptive term for individuals having the genetic, somatic and hormonal basis of one sex but who identify sexually with the opposite sex. Surgical gender reassignment is a fundamental step in the management of these complex patients and is driven by the individual's belief of being the opposite sex 'trapped' in the wrong body. We report a case of genital lichen sclerosus in hair-bearing skin originally from the scrotum, in an individual who had undergone male-to-female gender reassignment. To our knowledge, no similar cases have been reported to date.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clobetasol / therapeutic use
  • Emollients / therapeutic use
  • Emulsifying Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / drug therapy
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / pathology*
  • Male
  • Scrotum / pathology
  • Transsexualism*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vulvar Diseases / drug therapy
  • Vulvar Diseases / pathology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Emollients
  • Emulsifying Agents
  • Clobetasol