How do you treat vaginal lichen?

Corticosteroid ointments or creams are commonly prescribed for lichen sclerosus. Initially, you’ll generally have to use cortisone creams or ointments on the affected skin twice a day. After several weeks, your doctor will likely recommend that you only use these medications twice a week to prevent a recurrence.

Is Lichen an STD?

Unlike a sexually transmitted disease (STD), lichen sclerosus is not contagious and is not spread through sexual contact.

What causes lichen sclerosus on the vagina?

The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role. Previous skin damage at a particular site on your skin may increase the likelihood of lichen sclerosus at that location. Lichen sclerosus isn’t contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse.

What is the best treatment for lichen sclerosus?

Topical Steroids: Prescription topical steroid ointments that are applied to the affected skin can reduce inflammation and itching. These are usually the first treatment option for lichen sclerosus. The most commonly prescribed topical steroid is cobetasol propionate.

What happens if lichen sclerosus is left untreated?

Without treatment, the scratching associated with lichen simplex chronicus can lead to a bacterial skin infection. It also can cause permanent scars. Lichen sclerosus can be a risk factor for skin cancer and vulvar cancer. This is why it’s important to see your doctor if you have signs or symptoms.

Does lichen sclerosus go away?

Although there’s no cure for lichen sclerosus, there are treatments that can help. If you have it on your genitals, you should get it treated, even if you don’t have symptoms. When left untreated, it can lead to problems with sex or urination. Patches on other parts of the body usually go away with time.

Does vulvar lichen planus go away?

If your biopsy shows lichen planus and you have no symptoms, you probably do not need treatment. In most cases, lichen planus will go away within 2 years. If you have symptoms, such as severe itching or sores in your mouth or genital area, treatment can help.

Will my lichen sclerosus go away?

What cream is best for lichen sclerosus?

Ultrapotent topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate have become the first-line treatment for genital lichen sclerosus in adults and children. They are applied daily for up to 3 months and afterwards at reduced frequency.

What does vulvar lichen sclerosus look like?

This can look like lumps, ulcers or crusted areas. In areas away from the genital skin, lichen sclerosus looks like small ivory-coloured slightly raised areas, which can join up to form white patches. After a while the surface of the spots can look like white wrinkled tissue paper.

What is the best natural treatment for lichen sclerosus?

Approach to vulvar lichen sclerosus natural treatment Rehmannia and Baical Skullcap are useful herbs in this regard; Certain herbs including Chickweed and Calendula reduce itching, pain and skin inflammation. A naturopath can add these to a vitamin E cream for you to apply to the area to relieve your symptoms.

What is the best treatment for vulvar lichen planus?

Cortisone cream applied to the vulva and vagina can provide relief and stop lichen planus from getting worse. Strong cortisone is safe to use on inflamed skin and will not cause the skin of your vulva to thin. Medications such as prednisolone or methotrexate may also help.