Are you experiencing pain, burning, or white patches in the genital area? It could be a skin condition called lichen sclerosus. Early detection is very important as it can prevent symptoms from worsening and scarring. At The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity, our team can help provide individualized care to treat lichen sclerosus. Schedule an appointment today to begin your treatment of LS.
In this blog, we’ll look at some of the warning signs of lichen sclerosus and the importance of early diagnosis.
Itching, Burning, and Irritation
Early symptoms of lichen sclerosus can be manifested in itching, burning, and irritation. This is because LS can irritate the nerve endings in the skin, which creates an itchy sensation. This skin condition causes an inflammatory response, which can also cause itching and burning. Tight clothes and using irritating detergents or soaps can exacerbate these feelings of irritation.
White or Thinning Patches of Skin
Lichen sclerosus can cause inflammation of the skin, which can make it thinner and more fragile because inflammation causes a reduction in collagen. When the skin thins, it can look whiter and more translucent. This lack of collagen can also make the afflicted skin area wrinkled.
Pain During Intimacy
Lichen sclerosus primarily affects the skin of the genitals and can cause physical changes in the area. Since the skin is becoming fragile, it is less flexible and more likely to become damaged. This can lead to pain during intimacy. Lichen sclerosus can also cause scarring and create bands of tissue that restrict the vaginal opening, which can also cause pain.
Skin Tearing or Bleeding
The inflammation from lichen sclerosus can lead to the skin becoming damaged and fragile. Because it lacks elasticity, there is a greater risk of tearing. This can happen from even the simplest things, like scratching an itch. The skin tearing can also cause bleeding, since the skin is being torn.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis of lichen sclerosus is incredibly important. Leaving lichen sclerosus untreated can cause serious scarring and tissue damage, which can lead to urination issues and other complications. Early treatment can prevent this damage. There is also a risk of squamous cell carcinoma developing from lichen sclerosus, and early treatment can prevent this. Early treatment also helps improve quality of life because the discomfort, both physical and emotional, is being treated. Early detection also allows for the treatment to be more effective.
Schedule an Appointment
Having lichen sclerosus can be scary, but there are options available to treat it. The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity is here to help you with treating lichen sclerosus. Their expert care can help you take charge of your health and begin healing. Call and schedule your appointment today to make the first step.
