What is Lichen Sclerosus and How is it Diagnosed.

Lichen sclerosus (LS):

It is a skin disease that affects the skin of genitals, although it can also appear on the skin of other body parts, such as the breasts, upper arms, shoulders, and back. LS appears as white patches on the skin, but these patches only tend to itch when present on the genital area. Skin damage and friction can cause this problem to worsen or even trigger it sometimes. This is called the Koebner response.

Postmenopausal women are at the greatest risk of getting affected by the Lichen sclerosus but sometimes it affects men and children too. Unfortunately, there's no identified cause of lichen sclerosus that exists. In fact, it is considered to be an autoimmune disease, caused by the hyperactivity of the immune system. LS is not a contagious disease, it does not spread from people to people during sexual activity.

Problems Caused by Lichen Sclerosus 

Although the condition gets better with treatment, skin afflicted by LS sometimes becomes tight and scarred over time. This causes discomfort and even ache while urinating, defecating, or having sex.

The need for a small operation might arise, to widen the vagina if the condition gets severe.

LS also raises your risk of getting vulvar cancer.

Symptoms:

People who have lichen sclerosus in mild form may not exhibit any signs or symptoms.

Signs and symptoms mostly appear on the skin of the anal and genital areas. They may include:

• Redness
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• Discomfort or pain
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• Flat white patches on your skin
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• Severe itching
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• Scarry, wrinkled patches
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• In severe cases, blisters and ulcerated sores appear
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• Bleeding if skin tears
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• Painful sex

When to See a Doctor

If you feel that your signs and symptoms resemble those of LS's, you should consult a doctor immediately. If you have been previously diagnosed with this disease, visit your doctor twice a year for the examination of any skin changes or side effects of treatment.

Diagnosis

• Your physician may discover lichen sclerosus on the basis of:
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• A physical examination
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• Biopsy of the infected area
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• There are chances that your doctor would refer you to a skin specialist or a gynecologist.

To manage Lichen Sclerosus:

●     Lichen sclerosus is not curable, but steroid cream prescribed by your doctor will help reduce the symptoms.

●     Wash with soaps that have emollient properties instead of a regular soap

●     Gently pat dry your genitals after peeing

●     Routinely apply a preventive cream or ointment to affected areas, such as petroleum jelly

●     Wear underwear made of natural materials like cotton and silk

●     Use vaginal lubricant during sex

Things to Avoid: 

●     Harsh soaps and bath bombs - instead use simple water or emollient wash

●     Wearing tight clothes or synthetic materials

●     Using chemical-containing pads or tampons

●     Rubbing or peeling off the affected areas