Lichen Sclerosus Update

Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the vulva but can affect any areas of the skin. Many patients report an inability to have sexual intercourse due to tearing, splitting or an extreme burning sensations. This is due to the skin on the vulva and around the vagina becoming thin and the vaginal opening shrinking is size due to atrophy and scarring. In severe cases the labia minora is lost due to fusion or reabsorption and the clitoris is buried under the skin resulting in further discomfort during intercourse. Lichen sclerosus can lead to a development of vulval cancers and this risk is estimated to be 5% of cases, but could be higher as lichen sclerosus is often misdiagnosed. If a patient is left untreated the risk of developing vulval skin cancers increase. Steroid treatment has been proven successful in preventing the occurrence of vulval cancers as well as six-monthly skin checks by your Gynaecologist.