How to restore the color of vulvar leukoplakia

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally quite challenging. However, symptoms can be alleviated by some symptomatic treatments. Firstly, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Attention should be paid to avoid spicy and allergenic foods, and not to wash the vulva with irritating drugs or soaps. Wearing non-breathable synthetic underwear should be avoided. Additionally, topical corticosteroid medications can be used to control itching. However, it takes a long time for the affected skin to show significant improvement or return to normal. If medication treatment is not sustainable or effective, local physical therapy can be recommended. This involves removing abnormal epithelial tissues locally and destroying nerve endings in the dermis, thus interrupting the vicious cycle caused by itching and scratching. For patients who do not respond to medication or physical therapy, or those with atypical hyperplasia or potential malignant changes, surgical treatment can be recommended. However, surgery is generally considered a last resort due to the possibility of long-term recurrence and significant trauma, affecting both the appearance and function of the vulva.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
37sec home-news-image

Is vulvar lichen sclerosus contagious?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is non-contagious and cannot be cross-infected, but it is hereditary and can skip generations. Additionally, it is important to maintain hygiene during sexual intercourse, preferably using condoms, as this is beneficial for the condition. Furthermore, regular physical exercise should be undertaken to enhance the body's resistance and immunity. It is important to keep the area clean and dry, avoid using soap or irritating substances for cleansing the vulva, and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
41sec home-news-image

Can lichen sclerosus cause adhesions?

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
1min 8sec home-news-image

What ointment is good for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is considered a complex gynecological condition. Typically, the condition has a long history and there are no specific effective drugs. The relatively better treatment options currently include the use of Bacterium anitratum ointment for symptomatic treatment. It is best to visit a hospital for an accurate diagnosis to confirm whether it is vulvar lichen sclerosus. If confirmed, topical Bacterium anitratum can be used, along with microwave laser treatment for symptomatic relief. In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, treatments that clear heat, remove dampness, and stop itching can also be used for symptomatic treatment. It is a complex condition that is difficult to treat. Clinically, it is essential to actively seek symptomatic treatment at hospitals for vulvar lichen sclerosus. Routine care should include wearing pure cotton underwear, avoiding harsh cleansing agents or intimate products, and washing daily with plain water, followed by the application of Bacterium anitratum ointment.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 25sec home-news-image

How to restore the color of vulvar leukoplakia

The treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally quite challenging. However, symptoms can be alleviated by some symptomatic treatments. Firstly, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Attention should be paid to avoid spicy and allergenic foods, and not to wash the vulva with irritating drugs or soaps. Wearing non-breathable synthetic underwear should be avoided. Additionally, topical corticosteroid medications can be used to control itching. However, it takes a long time for the affected skin to show significant improvement or return to normal. If medication treatment is not sustainable or effective, local physical therapy can be recommended. This involves removing abnormal epithelial tissues locally and destroying nerve endings in the dermis, thus interrupting the vicious cycle caused by itching and scratching. For patients who do not respond to medication or physical therapy, or those with atypical hyperplasia or potential malignant changes, surgical treatment can be recommended. However, surgery is generally considered a last resort due to the possibility of long-term recurrence and significant trauma, affecting both the appearance and function of the vulva.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Which department should I go to for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus generally visit the gynecology department of hospitals, as the diagnosis and treatment of this condition are considered a kind of complex gynecological issue. This disease generally cannot be treated in smaller hospitals, and better treatment is usually available in third-grade, class-A hospitals’ gynecology departments. The formation of vulvar lichen sclerosus is mostly due to poor nutrition of the vulva, so patients with this condition should definitely seek treatment at large, third-grade, class-A hospitals. The treatment can generally be conducted through physical methods or topical medications. During the treatment process, the majority of cases can experience symptom relief. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally benign, but in very rare cases, it may turn malignant. Therefore, patients with worsening conditions can undergo a biopsy in the hospital to determine if the lichen sclerosus is worsening or if there is a tendency towards vulvar cancer. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)