What is Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disease that primarily affects the female genital area.

VLE is characterized by inflammation and thinning of the skin, which can cause discomfort and affect the quality of life of women who suffer from it.

Symptoms and presenting signs

Common symptoms include intense itching, irritation, pain during various activities such as walking, urinating or during sexual intercourse.

Learn more about all the symptoms of VLS here.

On the other hand, the most frequent signs are thinning of the skin, white spots or cracks.

Find out here all the signs of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.

Differences between lichen sclerosus and lichen planus

Although they share some symptoms, they are different diseases.

Lichen Sclerosus mainly affects the genital area (vulvar and anal area), while Lichen Planus can affect various areas of the skin and mucous membranes.

VLS is characterized by white plaques on the skin and may cause thinning and hardening of the skin and Lichen Planus has red or purplish lesions that are more raised, often causing itching and pain.

While Lichen Planus affects both men and women, Lichen Sclerosus is more common in women.

Is it a sexually transmitted disease?

No, Lichen Sclerosus is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Unlike STDs, VLE is not contracted through sexual intercourse, instead it is believed to have a multifactorial origin, involving autoimmune and genetic factors. Therefore, the disease is not contagious and is not spread from person to person by sexual contact.

Causes of lev

Although the exact cause is unknown, various theories have suggested that the onset of this disease is multifactorial.

This implies that the manifestation of Lichen Sclerosus may be triggered by different factors, which may include:

• Autoimmune factors.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Environmental factors.
• Hormonal factors.

Is there a cure for lev?

Currently there is no definitive cure, but there are effective treatments to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatments for lichen sclerosus

The treatments that we can currently find are:

Corticosteroid creams: they can help reduce inflammation and itching in the vulva. They are usually applied directly to the affected area.

Regenerative medicine: Lichen treatment involves the use of autologous fat (from the patient’s own body) to improve the signs and symptoms of the skin in the affected genital area.

PRP: for cases of early lichen (lichen in its earliest stage) the application of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) can help reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Where can lichen appear?

SIL mainly affects the female genital area (vulva and anus), but it can also appear in other areas of the skin such as the rubbing areas, thighs or abdominal area.

How is vulvar lichen sclerosus diagnosed?

The diagnosis of lichen usually begins with a clinical examination by a gynecologist or dermatologist, who will look at the area to identify signs of VLE. In addition, it is of great importance that the patient provides as much information as possible about the symptoms (such as frequency, onset or intensity).

The last step will be to perform a biopsy. This consists of taking a small sample of the affected area, which will be analyzed in the laboratory to confirm the presence of lichen.

Lichen in young women

Although LEV has two age peaks. Premenarche (prior onset of first menstruation) and menopause (end of menstruation), this disease can affect women of all ages, including young women.

However, the prevalence in younger women is not as high as in older women, but it is critical to recognize that this condition has no age limit.

how do I know if I have lichen?

The signs and symptoms of LEV can be similar to other conditions, so you may be unsure if you have lichen sclerosus. It is essential that you go to your gynecologist or dermatologist if you suspect you have lichen sclerosus, so that he or she can confirm the presence of the disease and you can receive the appropriate treatment.

Lichen and sex life

Due to the symptoms of the disease, such as intense itching and irritation in the vulvar area, it can make sexual arousal and pleasure difficult.

In addition, the skin may become thinner and more sensitive in the vulva, which can cause pain during sexual intercourse.

Does menopause worsen lichen symptoms?

Menopause marks the end of menstruation and this is associated with a significant decrease in the production of reproductive hormones, especially estrogen. This reduction may contribute to thinning of the skin and increased dryness, which can intensify the irritation and itching associated with LEV.

What happens if lichen sclerosus is left untreated?

Untreated, LEV can increase signs and symptoms, leading to worsening signs and symptoms, thus a poorer quality of life.

On the other hand, it has been shown that women who do not receive LEV treatment are at increased risk for vulvar squamous cell cancer.

A recent study (meta-analysis), which evaluates different case studies of SIL between 1958 and 2020, concludes that the absolute risk of developing vulvar squamous cell cancer may be as high as 21%.

How long does a lichen outbreak last?

The duration of an outbreak varies, but with the right treatment and proper care, symptoms can be relieved and the duration of outbreaks can be reduced.

Can I live a normal life with Lichen Sclerosus Vulvae?

Yes, with proper treatment and symptom management, many women lead normal lives.

It is important to receive specialized medical care and follow the recommendations.

Can LEV go away on its own?

In some cases, symptoms may improve, but lichen sclerosus vulvae is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment and care.

How can I alleviate the symptoms associated with VLE?

To alleviate the symptoms presented by the disease, you can use specific creams and follow care recommended by your doctor to relieve itching. Avoiding excessive scratching is crucial.

We recommend Dermnix Vulvar Oil, formulated for women suffering from Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus. With 100% natural ingredients that help reduce these symptoms.