Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a skin disease of unknown origin. It the same disease as Lichen sclerosus but the terms "balanitis xerotica obliterans" or BXO traditionally is applied when the disease strikes the male genitals as it appears to in 83% of cases.[1]

BXO commonly occurs on the glans penis and the tip of the foreskin. A whitish ring of indurated (hardened) tissue usually forms near the tip that may prevent retraction. BXO sometimes causes urinary stricture and retention that may require surgery. It occurs most frequently in those who are uncircumcised and middle-aged. One study revealed that 51 (98%) of 52 patients diagnosed with penile LS were uncircumcised. [2]

Ratz has demonstrated that BXO may effectively be treated in women with the carbon dioxide laser.[3] Kartamaa and Reitamo found that carbon dioxide laser was useful in treating skin lesions in a small sample group of five men and five women.[4]

Kiss et al. report that topical steroid ointment may be effective in children when used in conjunction with circumcision[5] Circumcision is the treatment of choice in uncircumcised patients.[6]