Lichen sclerosus (LS) and lichen planus (LP) are both immunologically mediated diseases with a preference for the genitalia. The main difference between the two conditions is that LP has a propensity to involve the mucous membranes including the mouth and vagina which are rarely affected in LS.Click to see full answer. Keeping this in view, can you have lichen planus and lichen sclerosus?Lichen sclerosus is characterized by intense vulvar itching and can affect men and women of all ages, but it manifests most commonly in postmenopausal women. Lichen planus is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can affect the vulva and the vagina; it peaks in incidence between ages 30 and 60.Likewise, what does lichen sclerosus look like? The skin has a white shiny appearance which is usually thinned but can sometimes become raised and thickened. In areas away from the genital skin, lichen sclerosus looks like small ivory-coloured slightly raised areas, which can join up to form white patches. Simply so, what causes lichen sclerosus to flare up? Irritants such as soap, detergents, shower gels, bubble baths can aggravate lichen sclerosus, so using these irritants should be avoided. Friction or damage to the skin can make it worse so overzealous washing and drying the vaginal or anal area should be avoided.What does vulvar lichen planus look like?On the vulva, white streaks develop, similar to those that appear in the mouth. They are usually neither itchy nor painful. The skin may be red. Lichen planus on the inner lips, or labia minora, and the entrance to the vagina may keep returning, and the affected mucous membrane is bright red and raw.