Lichen Sclerosus (or Lichen Sclerosis et atrophicus) is another name for lichen sclerosus. The vulva (or penis) and anus are frequently affected by this excruciating skin ailment. Scarring develops on and around the vaginal skin as a result of the white patches that appear on the skin. Women are afflicted more frequently than men (10:1), especially young girls in the prepubescent stage and postmenopausal women. Rarely are children impacted. Most of the time, the cause is still a mystery. It is discovered to be a disease with an immunological cause.

 

Introduction:

 

Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon skin condition that causes white patches to form on the skin, primarily in the vaginal and anal regions, however, it can also affect other body parts. The damaged skin area seems thinner than usual when this disease is present. Homeopathic treatments for lichen sclerosus aid in lessening the white discoloration, stopping the disease’s progression, and avoiding scarring. Direct skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity are not ways to spread it. Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is an additional historical name for lichen sclerosus. This disorder affects both sexes equally and is also known as kraurosis vulvae in females and balanitis xerotica obliterans in males.

 

Causes:

 

Lichen sclerous still has an unknown specific etiology. Although no specific gene mutation has been found, it appears to run in families. There certainly appears to be a link between autoimmune conditions like lupus erythematosus and lichen sclerosis. Many patients who experience this illness do so before puberty, leading some researchers to hypothesize that there is a genetic component. Others, though, believe that the environment is important. For instance, women who use tampons for menstrual hygiene may get lichen sclerosis if the irritant chemicals in these products come into contact with the tissues in their vagina. Other potential causes include radiation therapy, trauma, infections, hormone changes, stress, nutrition, sun exposure, smoking, drinking alcohol, using certain medicines, and hormonal changes.

 

Signs and Symptoms:

 

The majority of this condition’s indications and symptoms are found on the skin of the genitals and in the area around the anal region. The external genitalia are included in the genitals. The foreskin, glans, and penis are typically affected in males and females, respectively. Males are less likely than females to experience involvement in the perianal area. It can also appear on the skin of the upper arms, breasts, and upper body, in addition to the genitalia. In mild cases, the skin is spotty, white, and glossy; there may or may not be accompanying symptoms. Skin thinning and possible wrinkles occur.

In the remaining cases, symptoms also include white, smooth, shiny skin patches. These include mild to severe itching, soreness, or discomfort in the afflicted skin areas, and on occasion, redness or easy bruising (bluish or blackish discoloration on the skin from bleeding under the skin as a result of trauma) due to the affected skin’s thinner than normal thickness. Another symptom that may arise is painful sex. In severe cases, the affected area may develop blisters or ulcers. There could be quick skin tearing or cracking. Scratching or rubbing may result in bleeding. The signs may appear intermittently.

 

Diagnosis:

 

A skin biopsy of the afflicted skin is necessary for the diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. Both lesional skin and skin that seems normal should have biopsies taken. The histological investigation will show hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and papillomatosis, which are lichen sclerosus’ distinctive traits. These results are not typical of eczema.

 

Complications and Risks:

 

The difficulties result from the skin’s potential to scar permanently, which can limit the vaginal entrance, cause meatal stenosis (a narrowing of the urethra’s opening), and prevent the foreskin from retracting (phimosis). It may result in pain during sex, difficulty urinating, a thin urine stream, urinary retention, constipation, or problems with feces. Additionally, there is a tiny possibility that it will develop into squamous cell carcinoma in the affected area, a kind of skin cancer.

Women who have experienced vulvodynia before developing lichen sclerosus are inclined to experience it again in the future. Additionally, it appears that women who experience an infection in the area around their vagina are more likely to acquire vulvar lichen sclerosis. A person is also more likely to develop lichen sclerosus if they have an autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Young people seem to suffer from the condition the most frequently.

 

Homeopathic Treatment for the Disease:

 

Homeopathic medications are a very effective way to treat lichen sclerosus. Itching, pain in the affected genital area, uncomfortable sex, cracks, blisters, or ulcers on the affected skin area are some of the symptoms that homeopathy efficiently treats. Since homeopathic medications are derived from natural sources, they provide efficient management in a highly safe, gentle, and side-effect-free manner. The best treatments for LP are:

• Sepia: Sepia is a highly effective medication for vulvar irritation management. Women who require it experience intense vulvar itching. Additionally, the vulva may be covered in blisters. The inner labia may also have redness and edema. Another symptom they frequently lament is painful sex.
• Kreosote: Kreosote is a fantastic medication for treating vulvar itching and burning. Additionally, the vulva hurts. A hot sensation might be felt in the external genital area. Additionally, intense burning and pain are reported to occur during sex.
• Calerea carb: When the vulva’s itching gets greater in the evening, consider taking calerea carb. Additionally, the vulva is also inflamed. In the vulva, stitching discomfort can occasionally be felt. There could also be burning in the vaginal region.
• Melilotus: This condition is signaled by pain in the vulva, particularly in the labia region. The pain could be excruciating, piercing, or shooting. The pain only lasts a brief period of time, yet it returns regularly. When it’s needed, the pain typically gets worse after menstruation.
• Platina: When the vulva is sore and sensitive to touch, Platina is a great treatment. This is coupled with vulva itching. In the vulva, tingling and tickling sensations can also be felt.
• Petroleum:

It works well as a treatment for cases where the glans penis develops cracks. These cracks may also show signs of bleeding. In addition to this, eruptions may show up on the glans.

• Cannabis Sativa:

When there is intense pain associated with erections, cannabis sativa is administered. The foreskin and glans are large and inflamed. Touch sensitivity exists in the foreskin. Urination problems may also be reported as a complaint. Additionally, phimosis is an indication.

 

Precautions:

 

There is no way to stop this problem from occurring again. If it happens again, there are techniques to handle it. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have experienced any sort of genital injury. This may assist in avoiding issues later on. Try to restrict your exposure to the sun by dressing in sun-protective gear when you are outside. Despite the fact that you spend most of your time indoors, you may want to think about using sunscreen every day. Finally, discuss non-estrogen birth control options with your doctor. Your mucosal membranes may get irritated as a result.