Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus vs Vulvar Candidiasis

A chronic inflammatory vulvar disorder that can scar and change skin structure. Candida overgrowth causing vulvar itch and irritation, sometimes with vaginal discharge.

Research updated 2026-10-23

Vulvar Candidiasis, representative educational image.

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Daily Care Treatment Outlook Complications When to get help Questions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

Girls before puberty; women after menopause

15 to 50

Where

Vulva and around the anus

Vulva

Main sign

White, thin, crinkly skin

Red, itchy, sore vulva

Itch or pain

Very itchy, sore

Itchy and sore

Contagious

Long term

Long-term; needs ongoing care

Clears with treatment

Scars

Yes, can change shape

Who gets it

Mostly women after menopause

Women; after antibiotics, diabetes

What is it?

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvar Candidiasis

What is it?

What it is
A chronic inflammatory vulvar disorder that can scar and change skin structure.

What it is
Candida overgrowth causing vulvar itch and irritation, sometimes with vaginal discharge.

What it looks like

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Clinical illustration needed

Vulvar Candidiasis

Clinical illustration needed

Skin tones

In the skin

Immune-related inflammation alters the structure of vulvar skin. The exact cause is not fully established, but persistent inflammation can lead to scarring and tissue change.

Candida overgrowth triggers inflammation of vulvar skin and nearby mucosa. Itching and irritation overlap with other conditions and do not by themselves confirm yeast infection.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus. Can occur at any age, including childhood; it is often diagnosed after menopause.

Vulvar Candidiasis. Most common during reproductive years; new symptoms after menopause need assessment.

Causes and triggers

Causes

Immune-mediated inflammation affects genital skin; the exact cause is not fully established.

Yeast overgrowth produces mucosal and skin inflammation; symptoms overlap with other conditions.

Risk factors

Autoimmune tendency, Postmenopausal age

Antibiotics, Pregnancy, Diabetes

Trigger

● Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

● Vulvar Candidiasis

Friction

Can contribute

Not listed

Irritants

Can contribute

Not listed

Antibiotic exposure

Not listed

Can contribute

Prolonged dampness

Not listed

Can contribute

Daily Care

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvar Candidiasis

Daily care

Habits that help

Wash the vulva gently and avoid soap or fragrance
Pat dry; use a tolerated non-soap cleanser only if needed.
Apply the prescribed emollient or barrier ointment
This reduces dryness and protects delicate skin from urine and friction.
Wear comfortable clothing and adjust painful activities
Reduce rubbing from tight seams, cycling or sex during a flare.
Follow the prescribed steroid and follow-up plan even when itch improves
Lichen sclerosus needs ongoing monitoring; moisturizer does not replace treatment.
Report a persistent sore, new lump or non-healing area promptly
New changes need examination rather than repeated self-treatment.

Avoid

Avoid: Scratching and unprescribed genital remedies
Irritation can cause tearing and worsen symptoms.

Habits that help

Wash the outside gently and pat dry
Plain water or a tolerated non-soap cleanser is usually enough; do not wash inside the vagina.
Change out of damp swimwear or workout clothes
Choose comfortable breathable underwear and avoid prolonged moisture.
Use only treatment appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis
Itch and discharge can have other causes; recurrent or persistent symptoms need review.
Reduce friction while the area is sore
Pause sex if it hurts and check whether a prescribed product affects barrier contraception.

Avoid

Avoid: Douching, fragranced washes and deodorants
These can irritate the vulva and disturb the local environment.
Avoid: Yogurt, essential oils or household remedies inside the vagina
They are not reliable treatment and may worsen irritation; get pregnancy-specific advice before using medicines.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment

● Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

● Vulvar Candidiasis

Prescription topicals

Clobetasol ointment

Listed

A supervised potent steroid regimen is standard for vulvar lichen sclerosus; ongoing review is important.

Vaginal or vulvar azole treatment

Listed

Use a formulation appropriate to the affected site; pregnancy and recurrence need clinician guidance.

Procedures

None listed

Diagnostic confirmation

Listed

Recurrent or uncertain symptoms may need examination or testing before repeated antifungals.

Outlook

Long term

Lichen sclerosus often needs long-term treatment and follow-up, even when symptoms improve. Established scarring may not reverse; a new persistent sore or thickened area should be examined.

Symptoms usually improve with appropriate antifungal treatment, but recurrence can occur. Persistent or repeated symptoms need confirmation of the diagnosis rather than repeated treatment for presumed yeast.