Lichen Sclerosus: Discussions about women’s sexual and reproductive health have historically been disregard in India and many other countries. Women usually disregard changes to their bodies, even when they become aware of them. Due to stigma and a lack of knowledge regarding sexual & reproductive health, the majority of women shy away from addressing their health concerns with their partners or medical professionals.
What is Lichen Sclerosus?
An autoimmune, persistent, inflammatory skin disorder with a genetic propensity is lichen sclerosus. Childhood and the post-menopausal age group are two age groups where it is prevalent. Squamous Cell Skin Cancer has a 4–6% probability of developing if ignored or untreated. 37 (12%) of 311 women with vulval skin issues in a research by Dr. Smriti Naswa had lichen sclerosus. In patients with lichen sclerosus, she has also reported skin cancers called Vulval and Clitoris.
Lichen Sclerosus symptoms:
The vaginal and anal skin initially show the disease’s unmistakable features. If you have any of the following symptoms, consult a gynaecologist:
persistent itchiness and/or discomfort close to the vulva
severe discomfort during sex
The vulva is easily bruised, cracked, and peeled.
Skin depigmentation (loss of colour) Urinary pain or burning
urinary and faecal incontinence (leaking)
After determining that Geeta had lichen sclerosus, Dr. Kumta performed surgery to open up the vagina in Geeta’s instance. The uterus, cervix, and urinary bladder were found to be intact after an internal organ examination using a telescope that was introduce through the vaginal entrance. It was done to reconstruct the labia and vagina. After her operation, Geeta made a good recovery and was shown how to use a vaginal dilator to gradually extend and broaden the vaginal aperture. Her symptoms are completely gone, and there is no longer any urine leakage.
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Therapy for Lichen Sclerosus:Â
To avoid problems, early diagnosis and fast treatment are essential. Topical steroid creams with high potencies are used as part of the treatment under dermatologist monitoring. Follow-up is typically ongoing forever. Early surgical treatment to reduce adhesions is not recommend because it can speed up the progression of the illness. If the Labia are fused, surgical intervention by a gynaecologist is require in the event of issues like urinary leakage/incontinence or menstrual troubles cause by a narrowing of the vaginal opening.
