Lichen Sclerosus - Info on Lichen Sclerosus Symptom, Causes & Treatment

What is Lichen Sclerosus ?

Lichen Sclerosus is a very common type of skin disorders but is very dangerous also. Lichen sclerosus does not feign other mucous membranes and only 1 in 10 people have other areas of their skin develop lichen sclerosus. Patients who have untreated disease have a somewhat increased risk of a skin cancer of the involved areas. Lichen sclerosus (LS) is ten times more common in women than in men. It can begin at any age, although it is most often appear in women over 50. Prepubertal girls can also be affected. It may cause no symptoms but it can be itchy, betimes severely so. It can develop after an injury to the affected area.

Lichen sclerosus is chronic skin disorder that most often affects the genital and perianal areas. If left untreated, lichen sclerosus can cause precocious scarring. This can cause the labia minora (the inner lips of the vulva) to fade completely, the opening to the vagina to narrow, and scar tissue to cover the clitoris. It usually persists for years, and can cause permanent scarring. There is no known cure, though most people are considerably improved and quite comfortable with treatment.

Here you find all terms related to Lichen Sclerosus, like symptoms, causes and effective treatment. Lichen sclerosus is not contagious.

What are the causes of Lichen Sclerosus ?

The cause of the Lichen Sclerosus is unknown.

What are the symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus ?

The symptoms of LS are

1)Thinning skin, white patches of skin

2)Itching and/or burning, painful sexual intercourse,

3) sores or lesions leading from scratching. If left untreated, LS can result in fusing of the skin, atrophy, and narrowing of the vagina.

Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus - With Home Remedies

Different Types of Treatment For Lichen Sclerosus are available, some are :

• After your skin has returned to normal, you will still want to have a follow-up visit every 6-12 months. This is so any early skin cancer can be found while it is a minor problem and so that if the lichen sclerosus starts to recur, treatment can be restarted before symptoms occur.
• Birth control pills usually thin vulvar skin and worsen symptoms overall. Discontinuing them may improve symptoms.
• If any creams, lotions or ointments you use in the vulva area sting or burn upon application, stop using them right away. If they are medications that were decreed here, stop using them and call the office.
• The vulvovaginal area is very prone to irritation. This is an area which remains warm and damp and is subject to severe conditions such as exposure to urine, perspiration, pressure (as in sitting), friction (as in walking and intercourse), and exposure to irritating substances (such as soap). There are a number of things that you can do to decrease the irritation in this area:
• Wear loose fitting clothes and consider wearing thigh high hose instead of panty hose. Wear cotton underwear that “breathes.