Stress and Lichen Sclerosus

[Guest Posts]

How much is stress a factor in getting lichen sclerosus thank you - Jane.

[Dr Rosalind Simpson]

It isn't clear from the evidence exactly how much stress contributes to LS, however, many patients do state that when stressed their LS flares/worsens. This is true of many inflammatory skin conditions. It is thought that stress hormones, like cortisol, can dampen the immune system which in turn increases inflammation throughout the body. This increase in inflammation extends to the skin worsening symptoms of certain skin disorders.