HomeAnswersDermatologylichen sclerosusPaining arm with some change in skin complexion. How to treat this?

Noticed some change in my skin color over my arm. Please help me.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 30, 2019
Reviewed AtAugust 10, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Last year my skin complexion changed on my hand, and then it spread up to my elbow. I consulted the doctor, and he advised a biopsy test. The result of which was fine. This year, my arm is in pain because of this, and the mark has spread up to my shoulder. Please help me in this regard.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Please answer the following for me to understand your problem better:

Can you please attach a picture of your hand? And also the biopsy report? Is it on just one side? Or both arms? What do you mean by complexion change? Is it becoming dark or light?

Revert with answers.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your concern.

On the left arm, it is becoming dark.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please attach a picture of your left arm. Darkening of the arm can be due to suntan, frictional melanosis, lichen planus pigmentosus, segmental lentiginosis, and lichen striatus. You mentioned that you also did a biopsy. Please attach the picture of the biopsy report as well.

Revert with reports.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you. I have attached the latest biopsy report, and also I am having pain in my arm sometimes because of this.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thank you for adding a picture and biopsy report (attachments are removed to protect the patient's identity). Biopsy shows lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that results in thinning of the skin, tightness, discomfort, and pain. The treatment options are topical corticosteroids like Clobetasol 0.05 % cream. Apply to the affected area over hands at night for two weeks, then take a break for one week, and repeat again for another two weeks. Topical steroids should not be used continuously without taking a break. Topical Tacrolimus 0.1 % ointment, apply to the affected area in the morning for two weeks. Avoid friction and trauma, as they can make the condition worse. For pain, you can take Paracetamol 500 mg tablets as needed or apply Lidocaine 5 % gel thin layer to the painful area over the hand in the morning. For how many years do you have this condition? Have you used any medicine for this? What is your age? Do you have any other medical conditions like thyroid and diabetes?

Revert with answers.

Kind regards.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I do not have any other medical condition. I am a 29-year-old female. I have had this condition for the last two years.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Hope you are doing well.

Lichen sclerosis is a chronic condition. It can be controlled with medications. Have you started using the Clobetasol 0.05 % cream and Tacrolimus 0.1 % ointment that I suggested during my last conversation with you?

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Yes, I have started with the medications, and there is an improvement, but I am having pain and swelling in my arm. I did ultrasound and MRI tests, and the reports are normal. But in the morning, swelling and pain is much more.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Lichen sclerosis can be painful, but it is usually limited to the site of involvement. Oral Paracetamol will be helpful for pain. If you have pain and swelling in the whole arm, you may have to consult an orthopedic surgeon.

Hope this addresses your query.

Kind regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy
Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Venereology

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