Lichen sclerosus, a disease that is difficult to treat and can even lead to cancer if not intervened in a timely manner, is a skin disease especially observed in the genital area in women. Lichen sclerosus, which is difficult to detect because it is not a very common disease, is one of the diseases that no woman wants to catch. What is lichen sclerosus, the cause of which is not known exactly, what are the symptoms?
WHAT IS LICHEN SCLEROSIS? (LICHEN SCLEROSUS DISEASE)
Lichen sclerosus is a dangerous skin disease that occurs especially in the genital area in women. Studies on this disease, which causes thinning, scarring and permanent changes in the skin, continue. Lichen sclerosus is a skin disease that causes many physical, psychological and social problems in the genital area. In addition to the pain caused by the irritation in the diseased area, creams and similar drugs prescribed as a result of not being diagnosed correctly cause intense itching and make the situation worse.
Among the causes of lichen sclerosus, these four factors are mostly emphasized:
- autoimmunity,
- molecular mechanisms
- genetic factors
- The most frequent focus is on the dysfunction of the immune system in lichen disease.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN IN MEN!
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, inflammatory disease that can affect the skin and mucous membranes in both men and women, initially as ivory-colored, oval and sharply circumscribed lesions, but later on manifests itself with thinning, blisters and plaques on the skin.
SYMPTOMS OF LICHEN SCLEROSIS
One of the most common symptoms of lichen sclerosus is itching.
Besides itching:
- Burning in the genital area
- Sinking,
- Needling,
- Complaints such as irritation due to friction are also common when wearing trousers.
- It can also cause significant sexual problems.
DOES CANCER OCCUR IF LICHEN SCLEROSIS IS NOT TREATED?
If lichen sclerosus is not treated, it can leave a permanent and serious scar. There is a 2-6% risk of transformation into malignant squamous cell carcinoma (cancerous) in life-long untreated cases. Although the management of lichen sclerosus is difficult, it is a disease that can be controlled with early-stage treatments.
LICHEN SCLEROSIS TREATMENT
The most effective treatment for lichen sclerosus is ointments containing clobetasol. It is also stated that routines that moisturize the skin such as vitamin E suppositories and hyaluronic acid are also beneficial. You should talk to your doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment of the disease.