Is your vulva skin sensitive and irritated? Are you experiencing itching, burning, or cracks in the vulva skin? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be suffering from lichen simplex chronicus. Lichen simplex chronicus is a common skin condition that is often caused by contact irritants. But what exactly is lichen simplex chronicus, and how is it treated.
What Is Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin condition that is characterized by chronic itching of the skin. The disorder typically starts out as an annoying itch that causes patients to continually rub and scratch the skin. This ongoing itch-scratch cycle causes the skin to become thick and scaly. It can also compromise the skin’s protective barrier and lead to an infection. Rashes may also develop in the affected areas.
Lichen simplex chronicus is one of several skin disorders that can affect the vulva, the others include lichen planus and lichen sclerosus.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lichen simplex chronicus is made by reviewing the patient’s medical history and performing a physical examination.
How Can I Treat Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
Treatment for lichen simplex chronicus of the vulva focuses on controlling the itching and healing the skin. Symptoms are typically treated with topical corticosteroids, which help to calm the inflammation and relieve itchy skin.
A high potency corticosteroid may be used for 7-8 weeks to treat severe cases of lichen simplex chronic us, followed by 10 weeks of intermediate and then low-dose corticosteroids to control the condition in the long-term.
Lichen simplex chronicus often develops in women with sensitive genitalia skin, so the itching occurs in response to irritation of the vulva skin. Consequently, doctors may recommend the use of hypocontactant hygiene products that don’t contain chemicals or other irritants that could trigger the condition.
If you are suffering from lichen simplex chronicus and it seems like the itch will never end, consult a vulvovaginal specialist to get the help you need.
Are you struggling with vaginal issues that doctors have been unable to diagnose? Contact the experts in vaginal care at Fowler GYN International (FGI), Phoenix, AZ for a consultation. It was established by Emeritus Mayo Clinic physician, board-certified gynecologist Dr. R. Stuart Fowler. You can reach them at https://www.fowlergyninternational.com/, or by calling (480) 420-4001.