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 Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Does vulvar lichen sclerosus affect pregnancy?

Normal vulvar leukoplakia does not affect pregnancy. Vulvar leukoplakia is mainly caused by long-term inflammation of the vulva, leading to abnormal proliferation of the local skin. After confirming the situation of vulvar leukoplakia, it is still necessary to treat it according to the specific nature of the vaginal secretions. Firstly, control of vaginal inflammation is necessary to reduce the incidence of vulvar leukoplakia and the tendency towards malignant diseases. If vulvar leukoplakia persists, it may lead to malignant lesions of the local skin. Therefore, appropriate treatment should be administered timely after confirmation.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can vulvar leukoplakia heal by itself?

Vulvar leukoplakia cannot heal by itself. It is generally considered that the majority of vulvar leukoplakia cases are due to poor nutrition of the vulva. Currently, the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia is one of the more challenging conditions in gynecology, as there are no specific effective medicines for this disease. Treatment can generally be conducted through physical methods such as the HaiFu knife, but there are no special effective drugs for this treatment either. This can only control the condition, alleviate symptoms, and manage itching, but it generally does not achieve a complete cure for vulvar leukoplakia. Therefore, the possibility of self-healing of vulvar leukoplakia is even less likely; considering there are no effective drugs even with treatment, the likelihood of self-healing is not high. Thus, patients with vulvar leukoplakia must actively seek symptomatic treatment in hospitals to at least alleviate symptoms; otherwise, severe itching of the vulva can occur.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus around the anus

Vulvar lichen sclerosus encompasses a multitude of different pathological types, primarily including simple lichen, sclerotic lichen, as well as lichen planus, Behcet's disease, vulvar vitiligo, and other secondary hypopigmentary disorders of the vulva. However, the primary conditions that can present with white lesions in the perianal area are sclerotic lichen and vulvar vitiligo. If the perianal white lesions are caused by vulvar vitiligo, they generally do not exhibit any symptoms and do not require special treatment. If the condition is sclerotic lichen, it may cause local pain, itching, and a burning sensation in the perianal area, particularly after defecation, which can lead to discomfort.

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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.