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 disease that affects the skin of the female genital area, but what do we really know about its causes?
In this article, we will delve deeper into the knowledge of the possible causes of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus to provide you with a more complete understanding of your condition.
The most important thing to know is that although the causes of the
causes
Lichen Sclerosus are not yet fully understood, numerous studies claim that they may be multifactorial, i.e. due to different factors.
Let us analyze these factors and their relationship with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus:
Autoimmune component
One of the most prominent aspects of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (VLS) research 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 some other 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 to suggest that certain genes may predispose a woman to the development of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus. Studies have shown that this disease tends to run in families, indicating a possible genetic component. But again, more research is needed to identify the specific genes involved and to 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 the health and elasticity of the skin, which may increase susceptibility to this condition. In addition, some women have been observed to 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 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 the guidance of a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
If you want to learn all 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.
Dr. Patricia Gutiérrez Ontalvilla (MD PhD)
