Lichen Sclerosis – A Severe Skin Condition

9.10.2010 | By: T. P.

The skin condition called lichen sclerosus often hinders a patient’s sex life almost completely. Read the details in the article.

People with a severe form of the disease in their genital area have painful sexual intercourse. (Photoxpress)

The symptoms and causes of lichen sclerosus

The actual causes of the condition are unknown. Doctors assume that it could be caused by an over-active immune system, hormone problems, and it might also be a hereditary disease. Lichen sclerosus often appears on damaged skin. The disease isn’t contagious. It usually begins with the appearance of irregular white spots as if all the pigment were gone. The spots are shiny and smooth and become larger over time, the skin becomes more fragile and prone to cracking and splitting, and red or purple abrasions appear, depending on the stage of the disease. The spots are itchy and painful, and you can also bleed and develop a rash.

What’s the treatment and where does lichen sclerosus appear?

If spots develop on your hands or upper body, they usually disappear spontaneously over time. The skin of the genital area is affected the most. Even though it isn’t itchy and painful, it’s prone to abrasions that leave scars. Lichen sclerosus often appears on the penis, vaginal lips and perineum, where it’s often treated with circumcision, particularly in men. In women, the disease usually develops again, even though their vaginal lips are removed. The second method of treatment includes creams that alleviate symptoms. Corticosteroid creams are used daily and they usually stop skin itching. Less and less cream has to be applied gradually because excessive use of creams brings unwanted side-effects.

There are also other treatment options. The doctor can prescribe a retinoid drug and ultraviolet radiation, and there are also various anti-inflammatory creams. It’s best if you gather as much information as possible on what drugs are available, what side-effects they have and which drug would be best for you. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic disease with no real cure. It’s an interesting fact that in young girls sometimes the disease disappears spontaneously after puberty, but skin marks remain.

The actual causes of the development of the disease called lichen sclerosis are unknown.

Lichen sclerosus and its effect on sexuality

People who have a severe form of the disease in their genital area experience painful sexual intercourse or their sexual life is non-existent. The solution for men is circumcision, whereas women have greater problems, but not only physical ones. The disease can also cause abrasions on the vaginal lips and therefore the stimulation can cause bleeding, which makes sexual intercourse practically impossible. In addition, sexual intercourse requires careful preparations and a very loving partner, who’s even harder to find than an effective drug. Women usually lose interest in sexual relations, which has a significant effect on their emotional state. It’s difficult to advise on how to overcome this obstacle because it differs greatly from case to case, depending on how serious the disease is and what the patient’s age is. However, human creativity knows no bounds and we therefore advise you not to give up too quickly and at least try to masturbate and use accessories to spice up your sexual life, regardless of different circumstances. Patience and a loving relationship with your partner overcome even the greatest obstacles.