Why does lichen sclerosus itch

You may need to use the cream regularly for a few months to get your symptoms under control. If your symptoms keep coming back, you may have to keep using it every now and again.

Although treatment can help, skin affected by lichen sclerosus can sometimes become scarred and tight over time. The vulva may shrink, with the clitoris and small inner lips labia minora around the opening of the vagina often affected. The scarring and tightness can cause discomfort when peeing, pooing and during sex. Having an erection can be painful. If lichen sclerosus is severe, you might need a small operation, such as surgery to widen your vagina or remove your foreskin circumcision.

Lichen sclerosus increases your risk of getting cancer on your vulva, penis or anus. The risk is low, but it's a good idea to check yourself regularly and see a GP if you're worried. What causes lichen sclerosus? How is lichen sclerosus diagnosed? How is lichen sclerosus treated? Cortisone ointment applied to the vulva can provide relief and stop lichen sclerosus from getting worse. This is a lifelong treatment and you will need to apply cortisone regularly often once or twice a week even when you have no symptoms.

Strong cortisone is safe to use on inflamed skin and will not cause the skin of your vulva to thin. Surgery to remove any cancerous or pre-cancerous skin.

Surgery can also remove scarring or adhesions that cover the entrance to your vagina if these are affecting your ability to have or enjoy penetrative sex. Can I have sex if I have lichen sclerosus? Things to remember Lichen sclerosus is often mistaken for thrush so see your doctor if you are often itchy in the vulvar or anal area.

There are treatments that can help you successfully manage the symptoms. Lichen sclerosus is not contagious. Though it often worsens over time, the good news is that treatments are now available that can reduce symptoms and stop progression of the disease.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects five to ten times as many women most frequently postmenopausal as men. However, it can develop in people of any age, including infants and children. The lesions caused by lichen sclerosus usually begin as small, pinkish or whitish bumps. Over time, they become patchy, wrinkly and white, often resembling tissue paper.

These patches tend to be itchy and painful. Because the affected skin is delicate, even light itching may cause bleeding. The condition can lead to scarring and tightening of the skin around the genitals and anus.

Both men and women with symptomatic lichen sclerosus of the genitals are at slightly increased risk of developing skin cancer of the penis or vulva. Though infrequent, lichen sclerosus can also occur on other parts of the body, including the thighs, buttocks, upper body, and wrists; some people have lesions on the inside of the mouth.

The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, though research has found links to genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-related factors.

For instance, some evidence suggests a genetic predisposition in some people, for whom the condition may be triggered by injury or trauma to the affected area.