WHAT IS LICHEN SCLEROSIS? - When Love Hurts

Lichen Sclerosis is a chronic skin condition, where the elastic connective tissue loses its elasticity. The condition creates white-patched, thin and thickened skin, and often results in skin tears and scarring.

It happens to both males and females, but it is six times more common with females. Most often, the skin in the vulvar area and around the anus is affected. All ages can suffer from lichen sclerosis, but menopausal women are over-represented.

SYMPTOMS

itching, stinging and burning
fragile skin, which is easily torn, bruised or scarred
scarring at vaginal entrance and clitoris
deformation of the vulva, vulva lips diminish or get crocked
difficult or painful intercourse
painful urination and/or defecation

Lichen sclerosis can in some cases be found elsewhere on the body, e.g. between or under the breasts.

If your nuisances are in the vagina, it might also be lichen planus, in which case you might experience lichen sclerous symptoms, plus symptoms in mouth and intestine.

It is highly individual how you feel your symptoms. Some women have no or almost no symptoms, some have flare-ups, and a third group has a constant pain or discomfort.

CAUSE

Lichen sclerosis is a tricky beast. Research is being carried out, but there is no single, definitive answer as to what causes it. Most commonly, doctors consider lichen sclerosis to be an autoimmune disorder. It is an illness that attacks healthy body tissue by mistake. The disorder is thought to have a genetic factor, which means some families have a predisposition in their genes. One thing is for sure, though: lichen is not contagious – you can not infect your partner.

GO TO THE DOCTOR

Unlike some other gynaecological problems that cause sexual pain, lichen sclerosis can be identified and diagnosed through simple medical examinations and tests.

Doctors will generally start by asking about your experiences. As preparation, you might create a Vulva & Vaginal Profile. Far from all questions will be relevant, but a ‘no’ also gives an insight.

Next step will generally be a physical exam. The doctor will want to see the affected area and may do a pelvic exam; samples might be taken to rule out other conditions and diagnose you correctly. These tests can include vaginal swabs, small skin biopsies, and blood tests. The Doctor can take a tissue sample to diagnose lichen sclerosis. Beware that for the analysis to work you can not have been using steroid creams for a while. Read Seeing the Doctor

TREATMENT

If it is determined that you do have lichen sclerosis, there are options when it comes to treatment. Talk to your doctor and find a treatment together. Be sure to follow the specific treatment instructions.

Voice your concerns and note the possible side effects that accompany each option might it be laser, medicine or surgery.

Remember to get regular exams to make sure you and your doctor stay up to date on the state of your condition. Do go to your checkups – lichen sclerosis accompanies an increased risk of gynaecological cancer.

WATING FOR A DIAGNISIS

There are some things you can do to lessen your symptoms while waiting for a diagnosis:

If you use soaps or lotions on the affected area, make sure they are for sensitive skin, without perfumes or irritants. Vulva balms can be very good to use to comfort nuisances
The same goes for toilet paper! Find soft toilet paper that does not irritate your skin
Wear loose-fitting 100% cotton or knitted silk underwear to prevent moisture being held close to the skin (Props & Pearls recommends)
Remember to use lubricants during sexual activities to avoid unnecessary friction (Props & Pearls recommends)
Do not use bubble baths or unnecessary chemicals
Put the razor down! Shaving or waxing your pubic hair can be an irritation for your skin Use barrier creams and vulva balms, which do not dry out skin, and can be used as skin protection (Props & Pearls recommends)
Increased blood circulation might help improve skin health. Gentle vibrations applied to the area could strengthen the skin. Place vibrator (Props & Pearls recommends) on the top of the mons pubis and the outer side and inner side of the outer lips at first and then slowly move closer to the vagina.

COULD IT BE LICHEN PLANUS?

Lichen planus is a disorder, mainly infecting the mucous membrane and is therefore also found in the mouth. Often it is the dentist diagnosing Lichen planus. Besides the mouth lichen planus is found in the vagina opposed to lichen sclerosis.