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What is Lichen Sclerosus?

Lichen Sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin condition that mostly affects the female anogenital skin. It creates localized inflammation, which changes the texture of the skin. The skin can turn white and appear waxy. The most common symptoms are itching, tears, architectural changes, and pain with sex (dyspareunia). Although there is no current cure for Lichen Sclerosus, it can be managed with proper treatment and care.

The Lichen Sclerosus Support Network is a beacon of support and empowerment for individuals and couples navigating the challenges of Lichen Sclerosus. Our international non-profit organization recognizes LS’s far-reaching impact on physical and emotional well-being, extending beyond the initial diagnosis.

LSSN goes beyond simply providing information. We foster a supportive community through educational resources, workshops, and online forums. By offering easy-to-understand, evidence-based knowledge and fostering open conversations about living with LS, the network empowers individuals and couples to overcome obstacles and rewrite their love stories, fostering inclusivity and understanding throughout their journey.

Learn more about Lichen Sclerosus
women sitting on a sofa contemplating on what Lichen Sclerosus is

NEW: LP EDUCATION NOW AVAILABLE

Our new lichen planus  website initiative can help you finally answer why all of your symptoms aren't resolving.

Still Looking for Answers? Your Symptoms May Not Tell the Whole Story.

If you’ve been piecing together symptoms that don’t seem to fit, you’re not imagining it. Sometimes the full picture takes looking beyond a single diagnosis.

Some people living with lichen sclerosus later discover they also have lichen planus. Others spend months trying to understand symptoms that don’t quite fit a single diagnosis. If that’s been your experience, you don’t have to do the heavy lifting alone anymore.

That’s why we created AboutLichenPlanus.com, a trusted educational resource with expert interviews, patient guides, and practical tools to help you better understand lichen planus, including when it overlaps with lichen sclerosus.

Learn About Lichen Planus →

Whether you discover you have lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, or both, you deserve answers, expert education, and a community that understands what you’re experiencing. We’ll be here every step of the way.

Empowering Lives Beyond VLS

Ditch the Lichen Sclerosus Drama. Find Your Community of Empowered Warriors.

Tired of the endless cycle of Googling, the fear-mongering on social media, and the unsolicited advice? We get it. The LS Warrior community is your sanctuary from the chaos.

Imagine a space where you can:

  • Cut through the noise: Access curated, expert-backed resources and ditch the endless scroll.
  • Share your story without judgment: Connect with others who truly understand your experience, no matter where you are on your LS journey.
  • Take back control: Arm yourself with knowledge, support, and the confidence to advocate for your health.

Join us and discover a community that champions informed decisions, body autonomy, and a whole lot of support.

Your Lichen Sclerosus journey doesn't have to be a solo mission. Let's rise together.

Join the LS Warriors Community
We need your Help

It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to help with research, copywriting, web design, event planning, etc., to bring quality lichen sclerosus education to our LS community.

We can use your help. That's why we're calling for all volunteers.

Click to view our volunteer job board
Get the Facts
Get an overview of lichen sclerosus.
Get Support
Join our private community.
Get A Provider
Search our referral based provider directory.

Embrace Comfort, Embrace Confidence With Pavone

Living with a vulvar condition like lichen sclerosus shouldn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. Pavone Lingerie was born from this very struggle. Founder Janneke Schellekens, diagnosed with LS herself, couldn’t find underwear that soothed her sensitive skin or prevented emollients from staining her clothes.

Her solution? Luxuriously soft bamboo underwear, designed with your vulva’s unique needs in mind. Experience the silky softness of bamboo against your skin, while feeling secure knowing our special barrier keeps emollients where they belong.

Reclaim your comfort, reclaim your confidence.

As a member of our LSSN family, you enjoy 25% off your next order with the code LSSN.

Find Your Style Today

Support No Matter Where You Are In The World

Support from People who Understand
Who better to share your story with and get answers from then others going through the same thing.
Evidence-based Information not Advice
No one can tell you what to do with your body. We'll tell you what the evidence says. You take what you need and leave the rest. There is no one-size fits all in LS.
Available to Everyone with Vulvar LS
We meet once a month on a Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM EST, to make the meetups accessible to all time zones. We provide an inclusive environment and respect everyone's pronouns and identity.
Security
Not only will you be surrounded by friends, our meeting are held on a password protected secure platform. Your login information will be emailed to you within a week of the next meetup.
Strength in Numbers
There's something freeing and empowering about telling your story to a group who gets it. It will give you the strength and power to continue the fight.
Signup For Our Free Virtual Meetups

Knowledge Is Power. Get Strong!

Lichen Sclerosus Research Is Changing: New Treatments & What I Learned at ISSVD 2026
August 25, 2026
Lichen Sclerosus Research Is Changing: New Treatments & What I Learned at ISSVD 2026
Introduction If you’re not familiar with ISSVD, it’s the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, and this Congress brings tog...
What I Learned at the 2026 ISSVD World Congress
August 23, 2026
What I Learned at the 2026 ISSVD World Congress
Introduction Hello, hello, happy August! I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. Last month, I (Jaclyn) had the privilege and hon...
Answering one of the most asked questions. What's the best emollient for LS?
July 21, 2026
Best Emollients for Lichen Sclerosus: Community Survey
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Community survey insights When vulvar skin feels dry, irritated, or painfully fragile, finding something tha...
Promotional graphic for an educational article about extragenital and perianal lichen sclerosus. The image features an illustrated female healthcare professional standing beside a skin anatomy diagram labeled "Skin Health" and pointing to layers of the skin. The title reads, "Extragenital and Perianal LS." Supporting text states: "A comprehensive overview of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, skin care, cancer risk, and daily management strategies based on a presentation by Dr. Audrey Rutherford." A black button at the bottom reads "Read It Now." The background is purple.
June 22, 2026
Extragenital and Perianal Lichen Sclerosus
A comprehensive overview of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, skin care, cancer risk, and daily management strategies based on a presentation by Dr. Au...

Words from the Community

Be A Part of The Change

Join our Circle of Support
  • Help our organization provide quality content
  • Share your business with our community
  • Support evidence-based Lichen Sclerosus education and support
Donate Time or Services
  • Volunteer your time to advance the mission
  • Donate your service or product
  • Make a one-time donation or become a continuous sponsor

Meet the Executive Board

Kathy Ruiz-Carter
Kathy Ruiz-Carter
President/Treasurer
Detail
Christine Myers
Christine Myers
Vice President
Detail
Jaclyn Lanthier
Jaclyn Lanthier
Secretary
Detail

Proud Partners Of

Leo Pharma logo of a line drawing of a lion above the word LEO.
Silhouette of a woman in purple next to the words, "Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders"
Coalition of Skin Diseases logo
Outline of an orange lotus flower with the words The Lost Labia Chronicles underneath in purple
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Autoimmune Registry logo, blue and green umbrella
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