How do I cure lichen sclerosus?
How is lichen sclerosus treated?
- Steroid injections. These are more likely to be used if steroid ointment doesn’t work well.
- Tricyclic antidepressants at low doses. This may decrease vulvar pain.
- Other medicines. These may be used if other treatments have failed.
- Ultraviolet light treatment.
What causes lichens sclerosis to flare up?
What can aggravate lichen sclerosus? Irritants such as soap, detergents, shower gels and 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 of the vaginal or anal area should be avoided.
Is lichens sclerosis an autoimmune disorder?
Causes. The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is not known. Most research indicates it is an autoimmune condition.
Is lichen planus & lichen sclerosis the same?
It can occur anywhere on your skin, but it mainly affects the skin around your genitals and anus (anogenital region). It occurs more commonly in people who have gone through menopause. The difference between lichen planus and lichen sclerosus is that lichen sclerosus rarely affects the mucous membranes in your mouth.
Can lichen sclerosus spread?
Lichen sclerosus isn’t contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse. Lichen sclerosus often occurs in postmenopausal women, but also in men and children. In women, lichen sclerosus usually involves the vulva.
What is lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition characterized by white, blotchy patches of skin. Lichen sclerosus in genital area. 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.
What increases my risk for lichen sclerosus?
Previous skin damage at a particular site on your skin may increase the likelihood of lichen sclerosus at that location. Lichen sclerosus isn’t contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse. Lichen sclerosus often occurs in postmenopausal women, but also in men and children. In women, lichen sclerosus usually involves the vulva.
Should I talk to my doctor about my lichen sclerosus symptoms?
See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms common to lichen sclerosus. If you’ve already been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus, see your doctor every six to 12 months to be checked for any skin changes or treatment side effects. The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role.
What is the prognosis of lichen sclerosus (LS)?
Women with lichen sclerosus may develop vulvar carcinoma. Lichen sclerosus is associated with 3–7% of all cases of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. In women, it has been reported that 33.6 times higher vulvar cancer risk is associated with LS. A study in men reported that “The reported incidence of penile carcinoma in patients with BXO is 2.6–5.8%”.