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Introduction: Female genitalis lichen sclerosus (FGLS) occurs on skin and mucous membranes and shows inflammatory lesions, chronic atrophic, itching and pain. These physical damages produce a decline in sex and a resulting relational couple discomfort., Aim: We describe the discomfort and the relationship between physical and psychological damage., Materials and Methods: A random sample, between 35-55 years (average 44.55, SD 6.00) includes 2 groups of 55 subjects: - the first with LSAG diagnosis since 24 months - the latter with controls. We evaluated personality by the MMPI-2, discomfort by short SF-36, couple relationship by ISS, coping by Cope and resilience by CR-RISC scales. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 14 version. P-values <0.05, 95% confidence limits, t, F, W and P tests and two by two table, compare two rates and Cohort/RTC were employed., Results: Discomfort makes same personality factors changed. 50 FGLS recorded higher scores than 50 controls in MMIP-2, ISS and CD-RISC scales, lower in ISF-36 and COPE scale. Statistical tests show a valid significance (p<0.00001), a 94.3% of exposed with outcome, an etiological fraction in exposed of 96,15% and a 26 risk / prevalence ratio., Discussion: The psychological distress arises as a result of somatic damage and reduces expression and thought of self. Lesion and pain produce depression, anxiety, negative emotionality and decline of sex. High values of t, F and W tests indicate a good validity of results., Conclusions: The psychological distress grows from somatic damages and, in progressive way, it reduce expressions and thoughts of ego in increasingly tight limits: through successive stages, it involves social relations, couple relationships and individual identity.

Forty-five cases of lichen sclerosus (LS) were retrospectively found between 2000 and 2008 among those attending an associate university teaching hospital sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic (genitourinary [GU] medicine clinic) and 26 responders of the 45, to a questionnaire about psychological morbidity and psychiatric morbidity, were evaluated. Sixteen percent of the patients were worried about the possibility of infecting their partners with the condition, despite counselling to the contrary. Twenty-seven percent felt that the condition's cosmetic appearance adversely affected libido. There was moderate to severe anxiety at one time or another in 58% while 27% experienced depression at one time or another; 19% admitted to insomnia as a result of the condition; 23% were stressed while 11.5% were worried about starting a new relationship. LS has a profound effect on mental health. Selected patients with LS may benefit from routine referral to a clinical psychologist, within the sexually transmitted disease setting to elaborate and institute coping strategies.