1 in 50 women are affected by vulvar lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of autoimmune origin , manifesting mainly in the genital region. Although predominant in women, it can also affect men.
Usually diagnosed in postmenopausal women and young girls, lichen sclerosus can occur at any age .
Although the disease most commonly affects the genitals, it can also develop on the skin in about 15% of cases . In women, it affects the vulvar and anal mucous membranes , sparing the vagina, and never affects the uterus or ovaries.
To date, the cause of lichen sclerosus remains unknown.
Symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus
Vulvar lichen sclerosus can manifest asymptomatically or be characterized by itching , dryness , burning , and dyspareunia , which manifests as pain during sexual intercourse.
He gives the vulva has a bilate white color eral and symmetrical on the vulva and/or anus, sometimes with the appearance of painful fissures .
This condition can also alter the anatomy of the vulva , with a possible partial or total disappearance of the relief of the labia minora. Although the clitoris may be covered, it still functions normally, and the entrance to the vagina may appear narrowed .
As the disease progresses, without appropriate treatment However, scars may form , potentially leading to functional complications, particularly in the genital area.
The disease progresses in flare-ups , particularly in the absence of treatment.
Who to consult to treat lichen sclerosus
To manage vulvar lichen sclerosus, it is recommended to consult a health professional specialized in gynecological conditions. Here are some options for healthcare professionals you can consider seeing:
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Gynecologist
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Dermatologist
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Midwife
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Physiotherapist
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Ost eopathy
- Sexologist
It is important to address to a trained health professional e.e. to vulvar pain. Do not hesitate to consult the directories on our site to find a qualified professional in your region.
How to treat lichen sclerosus
There is currently no cure for lichen sclerosus. It's a disease scalable. The goals of treatment are to relieve bothersome symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse. It helps put the disease to rest.
Skin lesions in the genital area should be treated even when they are not painful or itchy. If left untreated, the lesions can scar and cause problems with urination or sexual intercourse. There is also a small risk of developing skin cancer at the site of the lesions.
The only treatment recognized by the scientific community for lichen sclerosus consists of the local application of cortisone creams. This treatment acts quickly on the symptoms and gradually helps to reduce the pallor of the mucous membrane.
Hydrating the vulva with a local treatment, such as Intima Rescue, also helps relieve symptoms, when combined with appropriate treatment.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an appropriate treatment plan. Regular monitoring is necessary to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment if necessary.
How to cope better with lichen sclerosus
Good intimate hygiene and gentle, respectful care of your privacy help soothe symptoms and improve quality of life.
In fact, washing several times a day to soothe the itching due to lichen sclerosus is not recommended because even water alone dries out and modifies the pH of the mucous membrane. Conventional soaps can be drying and you should also avoid products with perfumes which can be irritating and allergenic.
Beyond the physical aspect, the psychological state of women suffering from lichen sclerosus sometimes influences the symptoms.
You may therefore feel the need to benefit from psychological treatment for lichen sclerosus. This is completely normal and you can seek support if you feel anguish, anxiety, distress or loneliness in the face of your situation , by a psychologist or even a sexologist.