Epidemiology

​Although there are no robust prevalence data for lichen sclerosus (LS), prevalence is estimated to be between 0.1% and 3% in the general population, with some studies suggesting that prevalence may be as high as 1 in 30 in older adult women.[12][13]​ LS affects both sexes but is more common in women than in men, with studies reporting a male-to-female ratio of between 1:3 and 1:10.[14]​​[15]

Some data suggest incidence is increasing but it is unknown whether this is related to a true increase in cases or increased recognition and awareness of the diagnosis.​[16]​ One study of women in the Netherlands diagnosed with vulvar pathology found that the incidence rate of LS increased from 7.4 per 100,000 woman-years in 1991 to 14.6 per 100,000 woman-years in 2011.[16]

LS occurs in people of all ages.[14]​​ Although it used to be considered a condition of primarily prepubertal and postmenopausal people, contemporary data recognize a greater prevalence in the reproductive-age population, with one study finding that 20% of women develop LS during their reproductive years.[17][18]

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