REVIEW PAPER
When a gynecologist cures constipation: lichen sclerosus in prepubertal and adolescent girls
 
 
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Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic, Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2026-01-06
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-03-29
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-03-31
 
 
Publication date: 2026-10-08
 
 
Corresponding author
Karina Matusiak   

Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
 
 
Pediatr Pol 2026;101(3):233-238
 
KEYWORDS
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ABSTRACT
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that primarily affects the anogenital region. It is often observed in prepubertal girls. Typical symptoms include vulvar irritation and pain, itching of the vulva, difficulty urinating, bleeding due to skin fissures, painful defecation, and constipation. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the patient’s history and the results of a physical examination. Visual inspection of the anogenital region is an essential part of the diagnostic procedure. This is particularly important when patients complain of constipation. Typical lesions include ivory-white plaques, skin fissures, and superficial erosions. These often create a classic “figure of eight” shape when they are located in the vulva and perianal region. Initial therapy for LS involves applying high-potency topical steroids. Calcineurin inhibitors should be considered as second-line agents. Emollients are used as a supplement or in maintenance therapy for vulvar LS. Long-term follow-up is recommended.
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