Diagnosis and therapy of anogenital lichen planus

Genital lichen planus is a fairly common disease of genital skin that exhibits a widely variable morphology. Lichen planus occurring on the mucosal surfaces is chronic, and most often erosive and painful, frequently producing debilitating scarring. Mild, non-erosive disease is controllable with topical corticosteroids. Although erosive disease is much more difficult to manage, the use of topical corticosteroids, sometimes in combination with other topical or systemic medications, maximizes comfort and preserves function, especially with careful attention to local care and secondary infection.