Can lichen sclerosus cause adhesions?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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One of the main symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus is severe vulvar itching, which may result in noticeable skin lesions, usually caused by a vicious cycle of repeated scratching. In the early stages of the disease, the skin appears dark red or pink. As the condition worsens, the lesions may appear white, and later stages include thickening of the skin, hyperpigmentation, pronounced skin texture resembling lichenoid changes, and may also present with scratches, fissures, and ulcers. If vulvar hygiene is neglected, vulvitis is likely to develop, which can easily lead to vulvar adhesions.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What medicine is good for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is one of the complex gynecological conditions that is difficult to treat. Generally, tertiary hospitals can perform some physical treatments such as Hyfrecator therapy or traditional Chinese medicine fumigation to manage symptoms. This condition can only be controlled in terms of reducing itching and preventing further outbreaks, as there are rarely specific drugs available for targeted treatment. Currently, major hospitals may use local basal layer injections or topical medications for symptomatic treatment. Therefore, if you have vulvar lichen sclerosus, it is essential to seek treatment at a tertiary hospital, as smaller hospitals are generally unable to treat this condition.

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vulvar lichen sclerosus cause pain during intercourse?

Vulvar leukoplakia belongs to vulvar dystrophic diseases, and when accompanied by vaginal contraction, symptoms of pain during intercourse can occur. Therefore, when vulvar leukoplakia is discovered, it is necessary to actively cooperate with the doctor for treatment. Sometimes treatment with traditional Chinese medicine can be more effective, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and alleviating symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested that women with vulvar leukoplakia eat more foods rich in vitamins and fruits in daily life, which can sometimes help alleviate symptoms. Women with vulvar leukoplakia should avoid emotional fluctuations, especially when itching symptoms are pronounced, and try to avoid scratching with hands to prevent local infections.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Will vulvar lichen sclerosus affect pregnancy?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is mainly caused by long-term infection and inflammatory stimulation in the perineal area, leading to changes in the local skin. It generally does not greatly affect pregnancy, and normal conception is possible. However, during pregnancy, it is important to maintain local cleanliness and hygiene, and try to avoid using medication for treatment. If treatment is needed, it must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, using medication that has minimal impact on the baby. It is necessary to wash the vulva with clean water daily, and it’s important to enhance the body's immune resistance, strengthen nutrition, and promote the recovery of skin lesions.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to treat vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus typically can be treated with medications, but surgery is also an option. Medication treatment usually involves the use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, and patients need to follow medical advice for treatment. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a depigmentation disease characterized by white lesions on the vulva, the exact cause of which is unknown. Each patient's symptoms vary individually, hence treatment methods can differ. Vulvar lichen sclerosus generally arises from non-tumorous epithelial lesions of the vulva and is strongly associated with autoimmune diseases. Clinically it manifests as itching, dryness, and flaking of the vulva, along with a loss of skin pigmentation. Therefore, it is important to seek timely diagnosis and treatment from a dermatology department at a reputable hospital.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus, also known as lichen sclerosis, is one of two conditions, the other being epithelial hyperplasia, characterized by the appearance of white patches on the vulva. Both conditions are marked by severe itching as a common symptom, though they differ in subtle ways. For instance, in the case of lichen sclerosis, the affected skin and mucous membranes become less elastic and thinner, as seen with the shrinking of the labia minora. Women may experience a burning sensation locally and pain during intercourse. When epithelial hyperplasia occurs, the local skin and mucous membranes thicken, often showing scratch marks due to extreme itching.