Lichen sclerosus Open pop-up dialog box Close. Lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition characterized by white, blotchy patches of skin. Lichen sclerosus in genital area Open pop-up dialog box Close. Lichen sclerosus in genital area Lichen sclerosus may affect skin on any part of your body, but most often involves the skin of the vulva, foreskin of the penis or skin in the anal area.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF, et al. Diseases and disorders. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Aug. Fistarol SK, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of lichen sclerosus. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. What is lichen sclerosus? Schlosser BJ, et al. Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus in women and girls. And stress, lack of sleep and other health conditions, such as poorly controlled or undiagnosed diabetes, can definitely play a role in flare-ups; I also recommend an anti-inflammatory whole-food plant-based diet.
Both doctors are adamant that soaps, shower gels and feminine wipes should be avoided. And be wary of scratchy toilet paper - dab rather than wipe. It doesn't cause the LS, but it certainly perpetuates it," says Edmonds. When it comes to sex, if you have LS then using plenty of organic, pH-balanced lubricant can be useful. Treat the vulva a couple of days later with a topical steroid if the LS flares up reactively.
LS is a complex yet manageable condition, but it is crucial to begin treatment before it progresses and to remain under the care of a knowledgeable professional. Follow-up management is crucial, as is self-care. Laser treatment to the vulva may also be of benefit to some patients, particularly menopausal women reluctant to use supplementary oestrogen - though this is not yet recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence NICE or available on the NHS.
In more aggressive cases where LS has resulted in scar tissue forming and changes to the vulva that make urination or sexual activity difficult , surgical treatment may be necessary.
However, this is rare if the condition is diagnosed and managed correctly in its early stages. I've recently discovered a dark spot on the inside of my labia minora. I'm all clear of STDs and have not been sexually active recently. Most likely unrelated, but Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.
Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. It can be itchy, painful and cause permanent scarring. Four in or four per cent of women with this condition go on to develop vulvar cancer. Lichen sclerosus affects around one in 80 women.
It can happen at any age, but is most common in middle-aged and elderly women. For most women it is a lifelong condition. Skin affected by lichen sclerosus can also scar and join up with nearby skin.
Some researchers think that lichen sclerosus may be an auto-immune disorder, where your immune system becomes confused and attacks your skin instead of protecting it. Lichen sclerosus appears to be more common in women with other auto-immune illnesses such as thyroid problems or ulcerative colitis. Your doctor can diagnose lichen sclerosus by looking at your vulva. Sometimes they might take a small sample of your vulvar skin called a biopsy and send it away to a laboratory for testing.
Unfortunately, lichen sclerosus is sometimes mistaken for thrush, which also causes vulvar itchiness. Unfortunately there is no cure or way to get rid of lichen sclerosus completely.
0コメント