I have recently been diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum. Does anyone else also have lichen planus or lichen schlerosis? I am wondering if they are related.

[dorothyd]

Does anyone with pyoderma gangrenosum also have lichen planus or lichen schlerosis?  I have all  three.
What to do?!


This discussion is related to Pyoderma gangrenosum and vasculitis?.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Lichen sclerosus (LS) white-spot disease) is an uncommon disease of unknown cause that results in white patches on the skin, which may cause scarring on and around genital skin.
Several risk factors have been proposed, including autoimmune diseases, infections and genetic predisposition. The disease can be associated with thyroid disease.LS is usually treated with application of potent steroids, which may cause relief and prevent scarring.Other options are cryotherapy, and laser therapy.
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a disease that causes tissue to become necrotic, causing deep ulcers that usually occur on the legs. When they occur, they can lead to chronic wounds.They can cause pain and scarring.
Though the etiology is not well understood, the disease is thought to be due to immune system dysfunction, and particularly improper functioning of neutrophils.
The common link is that they are all related to and are probably caused by immune system dysfunction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyoderma_gangrenosum
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen_Sclerosis
LS may cause sufferers to feel depressed due to their condition, due to the pain caused. They may feel that they are 'not normal', 'can't have sex properly', 'the only one like this' and develop self-esteem issues. In such situations, it may be helpful to speak with a counsellor to work through such issues. Contact with support groups may also allow sufferers to realise that they are not alone, and that there are others who understand how they feel.
Support groups you could contact are Lichen Sclerosus Support and Awareness Group and National Lichen Sclerosus Support Group.
Regards and God bless.