CLINICAL, MORPHOLOGICAL, AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL CRITERIA FOR THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF LICHEN SCLEROSUS

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by sclerotic and atrophic changes. The disorder may clinically mimic several other dermatoses, including scleroderma, vitiligo, and various chronic inflammatory skin conditions, which often complicates accurate diagnosis, particularly at the early stages of the disease. In this context, the combined use of clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical criteria is of considerable importance for improving the accuracy of differential diagnosis.