CLINICAL, DEMOGRAPHIC AND LIFESTYLE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEN WITH GENITAL LICHEN SCLEROSUS

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the clinical presentation, demographic and lifestyle characteristics of men with genital lichen sclerosus (LS). This study examined the cases of 73 men with genital LS who appeared at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade between January 2007 and December 2008. The diagnosis of LS was established by history and physical examination. Data about demographic and lifestyle characteristics were obtained by the use of a questionnaire. Nearly 60% of men with LS were older than 45 years. The most frequent complaint was a tight foreskin which was detected in 70% of men. White atrophic lesions, fissures and cracking were recorded in the majority of the patients. The most frequently affected site was prepuce in 76% of cases. More than 70% of participants had frequent sexual activities and 57.5% were exposed to stress. LS is disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, such as prepuce lesions, which increases the risk for acquiring some sexually transmitted pathogens. That fact stresses the importance of LS patients counseling on consistent condom use and importance of early diagnosis and early treatment which may prevent further penile lesions, complications and diminish vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and HIV.