One of the first questions patients ask is what causes vulvar lichen and why do I have it.
As you may have already read, vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition that affects the skin of the female genital area, but what do we really know about its causes?
In this article, we will delve into the knowledge of the possible causes of vulvar lichen sclerosus to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of your condition.
The most important thing you should know is that although the exact causes of lichen sclerosus are not yet fully understood, numerous studies suggest they could be multifactorial, meaning they are due to various factors.
Let us analyze these factors and their relationship with vulvar lichen sclerosus:
Autoimmune component
One of the most prominent aspects in the research of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is its possible autoimmune nature. According to this theory, your immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues of your vulva, triggering a chronic inflammatory response. Although more research is needed to reach a definitive conclusion, it is common for women with VLS to suffer from another autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s disease, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, vitiligo, hyperthyroidism, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.).
Genetic predisposition
There is scientific evidence suggesting that certain genes may predispose a woman to the development of vulvar lichen sclerosus. Studies have shown that this condition tends to run in families, indicating a possible genetic component. But once again, more research is needed to identify the specific genes involved and better understand this connection.
Hormonal factors
Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, are also considered a contributing factor to vulvar lichen sclerosus. Decreased estrogen levels can affect skin health and elasticity, which could increase susceptibility to this condition. Additionally, it has been observed that some women experience outbreaks of vulvar lichen sclerosus during periods of hormonal stress, such as pregnancy.
Environmental and lifestyle factors
In addition to biological factors, it has been speculated that certain environmental and lifestyle factors may play a role in its development. Factors such as chemical irritants or repeated trauma to the genital area may play a role in the development of vulvar lichen sclerosus.
In summary, vulvar lichen sclerosus is a multifactorial disease with causes involving autoimmune, hormonal, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle aspects. Understanding these causes will help you develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. If you experience symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus, it is important to seek guidance from a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
If you want to know everything about Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, we recommend the book “I have Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, now what do I do?”. Remember that all proceeds go to the Nixarian Foundation.
