LICHEN SCLEROSUS

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition of skin that causes thin, patchy, discolored, skin. It usually affects the genital and anal areas. Anyone can get lichen sclerosus but postmenopausal women are at higher risk. It isn't contagious and can't be spread through sexual contact.

SYMPTOMS

It's possible to have mild lichen sclerosus with no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually affect the skin of the genital and anal areas. The back, shoulders, upper arms and breasts may also be affected. Symptoms may include:

• Smooth discolored skin patches
• Blotchy, wrinkled skin patches
• Itching
• Soreness or a burning feeling
• Easy bruising
• Fragile skin
• Changes in the tube for urine flow (urethra)
• Bleeding, blistering or open sores
• Painful sex

CAUSES

The exact cause of lichen sclerosus isn't known. It's likely a combination of factors, including an overactive immune system, your genetic makeup, and previous skin damage or irritation. Lichen sclerosus isn't contagious and can't be spread through sexual contact.

RISK FACTORS

Anyone can get lichen sclerosus, but the risk is higher for:

• Postmenopausal women
• Children younger than 10 years' old
• Women who have another autoimmune disease, such as forms of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
• Men with urinary incontinence or an uncircumcised penis
• People with a family history of the disease

COMPLICATIONS

Complications of lichen sclerosus include painful sex and scarring, including covering of the clitoris. Scarring of the penis can cause painful erection, poor urine flow and an inability to retract the foreskin.

People with vulvar lichen sclerosus are also at an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

In children, constipation is a common complication.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Lichen sclerosus can be managed very well with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy works effectively to manage its symptoms including itching, pain in the affected part of genitals, painful intercourse and cracks, blisters / ulcers on the affected skin area. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin, so they offer effective management in a very safe and gentle manner without any side effects. The top remedies are: 

Sepia: Sepia is very effective medicine for managing vulva itching. Females needing it have severe itching in vulva. They may also have blisters on the vulva. Redness and swelling on the inner labia may also be present. Painful intercourse is another symptom they mostly complain of.

Kreosote: Kreosote is an excellent medicine for managing itching and burning in the vulva. The vulva is also sore. The external genital is swollen with heated sensation. There is also complaint of violent pain and burning during sex. 

Calcarea Carb: This medicine is considered when the itching of the vulva gets worse in the evening. Along with this the vulva is also sore. Sometimes stitching pain is felt in the vulva. Burning in the genital area may also appear.

Melilotus: It is indicated when there is pain in the vulva, mainly the labia area. The pain may be severe, sharp or shooting in nature. The pain lasts for a little moment but appears frequently. In most cases needing it, the pain usually gets worse after menses.

Platina: Platina is an excellent medicine when vulva is painful and sensitive to touch. With this itching in vulva is also present. Tickling and tingling sensation in vulva may also be felt.