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Lichen sclerosus

Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 9:58 am
by Mihaela123
Dear Doctor
I’ve had a white patch on my vulva for more than 3 years and it’s been spreading quite a lot including the anal area. I sometimes get burning and stinging symptoms (as if the skin was stretched) and occasionally itching ,particularly around the perineum. Therefore, I think it may be LS but unfortunately I have piles and I’m peri menopausal too - symptoms probably overlap.
Both a dermatologist and a gynaecologist have told me it’s vitiligo - which they say it’s quite common in the genital area-and advised me not to have a biopsy.
However, I worry a lot as I’m aware how important early diagnosis is. At the moment I only apply YES moisturiser.

Could you possibly tell me when biopsy is needed, please?

Thank you very much.

Re: Lichen sclerosus

Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 9:03 pm
by Dr Jane Sterling
Sometimes lichen sclerosus and vitiligo can occur together – both are skin changes caused by the body’s immune system ‘mis-firing’ and damaging the skin. However, piles can also lead to irritated and sore skin around the anus, and if the itch is strong enough to make you scratch, then that can make the skin thickened and pale as well. I think you might be helped by a more oily moisturiser and possibly by a mild strength topical steroid from time to time if the discomfort is related to the piles. Without actually seeing the skin, I can’t advise if a biopsy would be a good idea or not, but if the skin changes are spreading, then it is probably time for a specialist to see you for assessment again.