Search

This article focuses on the cigarette paper atrophy. This is an uncommon disease of unknown etiology. Recent studies have confirmed a significant increase of organ-specific autoantibodies in patients with lichen sclerosis et atrophiens (LSA). In the native African population LSA has been considered rare. Five patients are believed to be reported from West Africa. The disease is seen in children as well as in adults, and it occurs 10 times more frequently in women than in men, occuring around and after menopause. The anogenital region is involved in most cases. Nongenital lesions are symptomless and occur mostly on the trunk. The lesions start as small shiny ivory white papules that later coalesce to form well-demarcated plaques.