Rockford researchers recommend treatment plan for boys with rare skin disease
Rockford researchers recommend treatment plan for boys with rare skin disease Heading link
University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford researchers have developed the first treatment algorithm for managing boys with a genital skin condition that, if not appropriately treated, may affect the ability to urinate and increase the likelihood of cancer developing.
The research by fourth-year medical student William Fox and Patrick H. McKenna, MD, FACS, FAAP, a professor in the UICOMR Department of Surgery and Surgical Specialties and a pediatric urologist at Mercyhealth in Rockford, was published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology.
The researchers reviewed published studies on lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin condition that causes patches of thin, white, wrinkly skin in the genital area. The researchers also managed seven patients aged 6 to 10 with severe cases of the condition that required surgery. Based on their research and experience, the researchers developed a flow diagram for physicians who have a high suspicion a boy has lichen sclerosis.
“This treatment algorithm can help physicians manage severe cases of lichen sclerosus in boys, based on the pathophysiology of the disease and whether or not the child is circumcised,” explains Dr. McKenna, who is board-certified in pediatric urology and is a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Depending on the progression of the disease, different medical and surgical treatments may be warranted.”
Lichen sclerosus is a rare condition that seems to be an autoimmune response, affecting about 1 in 200 males and 1 in 80 females.
“The disease is not contagious, but is challenging to treat,” says Fox. “Early diagnosis and treatment, along with proper follow-up, can help minimize the negative effects of the disease.”