Lichen Planus or Sclerosus

[mg719]

I went to see my general doctor after I noticed a shiny red mark on my glans and initially she thought it was a fungal infection and prescribed clotrimazole betemethasone.  While I was using the clortrimazole the skin continued to look like normal but since I have stopped using the cream the skin on my glans has started drying/cracking.  My doc told me to use Aveeno and keep the skin lubricated for the next 2 weeks to see if would subside.  After using the lotion  the skin irritation looks (pics resemble lichen sclerosus) still irritated and tender to the touch i think due to the skin thinning.   She thinks it may be Lichen Sclerosus (even though i am circumcised) and my question is that my appt is not for another 2 weeks due to the schedule of the dermatologist and I want to know if I can start using the clotrimazole again as the skin is tender on my glans where the skin is discolored.  I am married and been with her since 2001 and no stds.  Initially my urologist said use cortisone and said it was nothing to worry about, but that was when I first noticed it.

Thanks for reading and responding.

[mg719]

one more note. the skin all around the glans is tender and discolored - more reddish color and it assume it is tender due to thinning. Could the lichen sclerosus be the correct diagnosis?

the web unfortunately gives you too much info and everyone assumes the worst!

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Using Cortisone cream or ointment on the skin  for prolonged periods may cause thinning and redness of the skin, genital yeast infections or  stretch marks where the cream is applied. Treatment does not fix the scarring that may have already occurred. Diagnosis of lichen sclerosus includes direct clinical examination and sometimes, a small piece of the skin patch is obtained for biopsy to rule out other causes.

Take care and do keep us posted with your appointment.

[mg719]

will the skin return to its normal color and will the tenderness go away? and if i used clotrimazole for a longer period of time could i have caused more damage?

i will post again once i goto the derm.