Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that causes itchy white patches on the genitals or other parts of the body. There’s no cure, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.
Lichen sclerosus affects people of all ages, including children. But it’s much more common in women over 50.
People with white, brown or black skin can get lichen sclerosus.
It causes patches on the skin that are usually:
The patches can appear anywhere, but most often are on the area around the opening to the vagina (vulva) and anus
Lichen Sclerosus can be mistaken for a fungal infection. If your symptoms continue after using antifungal treatments and the stinging does not subside, it is crucial to consult a doctor, gynecologist, or dermatologist. A tissue biopsy can also be done to confirm the diagnosis.
While a cure for Lichen Sclerosus is not believed to exist, measures can be taken to alleviate pain and discomfort. Women traditionally are advised to use moisturizers, wear loose clothing, and avoid intercourse if it causes pain. Treatment often includes the use of corticosteroid creams to manage symptoms. However there is now an alternative: SEE BELOW!
Hear how the Monalisa Touch is helping my patients with their Lichen sclerosus:
Emerging treatment evidence
There is now emerging evidence that MonaLisa Touch can be used to successfully treat lichen sclerosus as an alternative to topical steroids or to disease that is unresponsive. One study in 20201 published results of 72.5% improvement, with a statistically significant reduction in vaginal pain, itching, painful sex and pain on passing urine. Another study published in the Menopause Journal followed up 100 women who had not responded to long term ultra-potent steroids. The research reported a significant improvement in itching, dryness and pain after two CO2 cycles. They reported no systemic or local adverse effects during or following laser treatment and reported “Fractional micro-ablative CO2 laser treatment is a safe and effective rescue procedure for patients suffering from lichen sclerosus who fail to respond to long-term ultra-potent topical corticosteroid treatment.”
So don’t despair.
If you think you might have lichen sclerosus or the treatment plan you have been prescribed is not working, as a trained Gynaecologist with over 25 years’ experience, Mr A Alexander Taylor can provide treatment and advice for a range of women’s health concerns including lichen sclerosus.
