What is Lichen Sclerosus and What Can You Do to Help this Skin Condition?
What is lichen sclerosus?
This is a skin condition that causes itchy white patches on the genitals - or sometimes other parts of the body. While there is no cure at this time, treatment can help relieve the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus affects people of all ages, including children. But it's much more common in women over fifty.
It causes patches on the skin that are usually:
- itchy
- white
- smooth or crinkled
- easily damaged – they may bleed or hurt if rubbed or scratched
- the skin affected can be thinner than usual
To sum up, small white or shiny spots appear on your skin. These small spots develop into larger plaques which become thinner and crinkled. Skin can tear more easily and there may be bleeding, blisters and itching.
It is not fully known why the condition occurs but the good news is that it is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another even via sexual intercourse.It is possible that the condition is caused by a hormone imbalance and an overactive immune response while previous damage to the skin might also increase the chances of developing lichen sclerosus in the same area.
The condition can appear anywhere but most often occurs on the:
- area around the opening of the vagina (vulva) and anus – in girls and women
- foreskin and end of the penis – in boys and men
How can you help relieve the symptoms of lichen sclerosus?
It is also sometimes called LS or White Spot Disease.
- The most commonly prescribed medication for lichen sclerosus are corticosteroid creams and ointments. They are typically applied to the affected area every day to start off, gradually reducing to less often. Unfortunately, prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to more damage to the skin, even causing the skin to become thinner.
- Other treatment includes ultraviolet light therapy.
- Avoid using scented detergents or bathing products that may irritate your skin. Plain water for washing is a safer and more gentle way.
- Keep the affected area or areas well-moisturized with a suitable natural product.
- The affected area should be cleaned and dried after urinating if appropriate.
- Avoid rubbing or scratching the affected area.
- Try to wear loose-fitting cotton underwear at all times, avoiding anything synthetic.
There are alternative home remedies for lichen sclerosus
If you are going to try a home remedy, patience is needed to find the best for you and to give it time to work.
- Apple cider vinegar comes with nutritional and antibacterial properties, making it ideal to treat a variety of skin conditions including lichen sclerosus. Wet a cotton ball with the vinegar diluted in water before gently applying to the affected area several times a day. Only the smallest amount should be used initially to ensure there is no reaction.
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Castor oil can be used by combining three or four tablespoons of the oil with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Store in a jar and when the mixture has taken on a paste-like consistency, it is ready to use. Apply to the affected areas daily to relieve itching and help to heal the lesions.
- Aloe Vera has a good reputation when it comes to providing benefits for your skin. Just ensure that you use pure 99% Aloe Vera gel for safe and gentle application to the affected areas. The amount to use is 1/8th of a teaspoon several times day to give relief from itching.
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Borax powder is another suggestion where you put a tablespoon of borax powder and the same amount of baking soda in your bath tub for a good soak of at least twenty minutes or longer. You can also make a solution to drink where you add a 1/8th teaspoon of borax powder and the same amount of pink Himalayan salt to a two pints of filtered water. Drink the solution in small sips throughout the day up until bedtime. Carry on for at least two weeks.
- Baking soda can provide a cleaning solution when poured over the affected area when sitting on the toilet. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a third of a cup of clean water to make this solution.
- Good quality extra virgin coconut oil can be a source of comfort to sufferers of lichen sclerosus, providing soothing relief from any itching and burning. Coconut oil can also be used in conjunction with corticosteroid treatment listed above by acting as a barrier and allowing you to spread your steroid cream on thinner.
- Magnesium. A deficiency in this important mineral could be linked to chronic inflammatory stress. Upping your magnesium levels could therefore be helpful for those suffering with lichen sclerosus. It is easily available in supplement form.
Changes to your diet can also help
- Many who have this condition will also suffer from yeast infections and thrush so following a Candida diet is another suggestion. This is where you cut refined sugars, processed dairy products - and possibly even gluten and wheat from your diet.
- Change to eating healthy, natural products while adding plant fats and plenty of fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut and natural yogurt.
- Regular probiotic supplements can also play a positive role.
- Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also recommended.
Sources
Fistarol SK, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of lichen sclerosus. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2013;14:27.
What is lichen sclerosus? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lichen-sclerosus. (Accessed Aug. 24, 2021).
Schlosser BJ, et al. Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus in women and girls. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2015;58:125.
AskMayoExpert. Lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018.
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.