By Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus (LIE-kun skluh-ROW-sus) is a rare disease that causes patchy, white skin that is thinner than normal. The vaginal and anal areas are commonly affected.
Lichen sclerosus can affect anyone, however postmenopausal women are more susceptible.
Your doctor may recommend lotions or ointments to help your skin regain a more normal appearance and reduce the likelihood of scarring. Because the illness has a high proclivity for recurrence, long-term follow-up therapy may be required. Lichen sclerosus can sometimes improve without therapy.
What is the Best Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the vulva. It causes skin discoloration, rendering it white and uneven in appearance. It can be extremely painful and irritated, and if left untreated, it can cause skin thinning, scarring, thickening, and fusion over time. It can also progress to other illnesses, and while it may go away on its own, it usually necessitates treatment. If you’re having difficulties getting rid of it, you might be wondering what the best lichen sclerosus therapy is.
It’s important to note that lichen sclerosus (LS) is classified as an autoimmune disease. This means that, while it can vanish at any time, it can also reappearance at any time. It might be caused by stress, a weakened immune system, or hormonal fluctuations, and it can last a lifetime for certain women, necessitating lifelong therapy or, at the very least, diligent prophylactic measures.
Medical treatment: steroid creams
The best treatment for lichen sclerosus, according to doctors, is topical corticosteroid ointments and creams. These are the most widely recommended lichen sclerosus therapies because they contain cortisone. If these don’t work, your doctor may prescribe tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment or Dermovate, a steroid cream with a higher concentration of steroids.
Medical lichen sclerosis therapies might be troublesome for some women since they can induce vulvar skin thinning if used for too long.
Natural Treatments
Herbs
Some herbs can help with lichen sclerosus treatment, healing, and reducing scarring, irritation, and inflammation. Herbs used in a cream or oil can produce amazing benefits in a short amount of time. Comfrey helps to speed up the healing process by repairing damaged cells by ‘knitting’ them back together. Calendula is another herb that might help with skin problems. It is antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiseptic, making it an excellent choice for infection treatment.
Then there’s red clover, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been beneficial to menopausal women with LS because it also includes phytoestrogen. Plantain is another herb that relieves itching by inhibiting the production of sebum.
Oils
Oils are one of the most effective natural therapies for lichen sclerosus because they can both hydrate and relieve irritation. Coconut oil has numerous skin benefits; it is not only hydrating, but it also has antimicrobial characteristics. It is particularly calming for lichen sclerosus sufferers and can provide relief from itching and burning.
Olive oil has helped a lot of women with their lichen sclerosus symptoms. Ulcer healing, relief from burning and itching, and a softening of hard or tight skin have all been reported. Whichever oil you choose, make sure you use it every time you use the restroom and clean the area thoroughly before applying it. You may see an improvement in your LS within a few days.
Vaginal dilators
Vaginal dilators are used to keep the vaginal opening open. Because lichen sclerosus patients’ skin can thicken (or fuse), the vaginal opening can shrink and retreat. Vaginal dilators may be effective if this is an issue and you want to have regular sexual intercourse.
It’s a good idea to test a few different lichen sclerosus treatments to see which ones work best for you and keep the symptoms at bay in the long run. Without having to worry about the unpleasant side effects of prescribed ointments and creams, it is surely possible to treat the illness naturally. We wish you the best of luck in overcoming your illness!
