Everything you need to know about vulvar lichen planus

Vulvar lichen planus (VPL) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the vulva. This disease is a relatively common condition and in this article we will tell you what you need to know if you suffer from it.

Symptoms of vulvar lichen planus

• Intense itching: The most common symptom of vulvar lichen planus is intense itching, which may be constant or intermittent. The itching can be so severe that it can interfere with your sleep, sexual relations and daily activities.
• Pain: Some women experience pain in the vulva, which may be stabbing or burning. The pain may worsen with sexual contact or with the use of irritating products.
• Burning: Burning is another common symptom of PVL. It can be mild or intense, and can last for hours or days.
• Dyspareunia: Lichen planus can cause pain during sexual intercourse due to inflammation and dryness of the vulva.

External signs of lichen planus vulvar lichen planus

VPL skin lesions can be of different types, including:

• Papules: Small raised red or purple bumps.
• Plaques: Flat areas of reddened or purple skin.
• Erosions or ulcers.
• Lichenification: Thickening and hardening of the skin.
• Vulvar atrophy: VPL can cause vulvar atrophy, which is thinning and dryness of the vulvar skin.
• Bleeding: Some women experience light bleeding from the vulva.

If you suffer from lichen planus and want to help control these signs and symptoms, we recommend the
Dermnix Vulvar Moisturizing Oil.

Mucosal involvement

Unlike other conditions such as Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (VLS), Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Planus can affect the mucous membranes of the vulva or other parts of the body, including:

• Vagina: The vagina may become dry, irritated and may have erosions and ulcers.
  The vagina is not affected in Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.
  
• Vulvar vestibule: The vulvar vestibule is the opening of the vagina. It may become red, swollen and painful.
• Clitoris: The clitoris may become red, swollen and painful.
• Mucosa of the mouth and gums: burning sensation and ulcers of different sizes.

Diagnosis of lichen planus

The diagnosis of VLP is made by physical examination of the vulva and a skin biopsy may be necessary.

Treatment

• Treatment of VLP is based on the severity of symptoms. Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, are usually the first line of treatment. In more severe cases, systemic medications, such as prednisone or immunosuppressants, may be used.
• Regenerative therapy with stem cells derived from the patient’s own fat has also been very effective in vulvar lichen planus. This treatment is Liquenia ®, which has been scientifically proven. You can read the experiences of patients who have had it done here.

VLP is a chronic disease that can significantly affect your quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help you control and improve your symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed with vulvar lichen planus,
contact us
to improve your quality of life.