Can vulvar leukoplakia be cured completely?

Written by Niu Hai Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Vulvar lichen sclerosus cannot be cured. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is also known as vulvar sclerosis and is mainly characterized by atrophy, thinning, and depigmentation of the vulvar and perianal skin, turning it white. The symptoms mainly include vulvar itching and a burning sensation. Sometimes the skin may appear shiny, wrinkled, and less elastic, which can also lead to cracking and peeling. Treatment generally involves local medications and is primarily supported by physical therapy. While most treatments are effective, they are not curative and require repeated therapy.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What medicine is good for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is one of the complex gynecological conditions that is difficult to treat. Generally, tertiary hospitals can perform some physical treatments such as Hyfrecator therapy or traditional Chinese medicine fumigation to manage symptoms. This condition can only be controlled in terms of reducing itching and preventing further outbreaks, as there are rarely specific drugs available for targeted treatment. Currently, major hospitals may use local basal layer injections or topical medications for symptomatic treatment. Therefore, if you have vulvar lichen sclerosus, it is essential to seek treatment at a tertiary hospital, as smaller hospitals are generally unable to treat this condition.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is the heritability of vulvar lichen sclerosus high?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus has a hereditary tendency, but the chances of inheritance are not high. The formation of vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally related to the individual's nutritional status and vulvar care. The main causes of vulvar lichen sclerosus are poor nutrition in the vulvar area, usually in patients with improper vulvar care, or patients with some other diseases, who exhibit significant vulvar itching. At this time, it is generally necessary to go to the hospital for a diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. If it is vulvar lichen sclerosus, it is mostly benign, with very few cases having a tendency to malignant transformation. Therefore, patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus must go to the hospital for a diagnosis and then receive treatment based on the examination results. There is no specific effective medication for this treatment, which belongs to a category of complex gynecological conditions. The effectiveness of this treatment is not very good, achieving relief from itching is already considered quite good. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to restore the color of vulvar leukoplakia

The treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally quite challenging. However, symptoms can be alleviated by some symptomatic treatments. Firstly, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Attention should be paid to avoid spicy and allergenic foods, and not to wash the vulva with irritating drugs or soaps. Wearing non-breathable synthetic underwear should be avoided. Additionally, topical corticosteroid medications can be used to control itching. However, it takes a long time for the affected skin to show significant improvement or return to normal. If medication treatment is not sustainable or effective, local physical therapy can be recommended. This involves removing abnormal epithelial tissues locally and destroying nerve endings in the dermis, thus interrupting the vicious cycle caused by itching and scratching. For patients who do not respond to medication or physical therapy, or those with atypical hyperplasia or potential malignant changes, surgical treatment can be recommended. However, surgery is generally considered a last resort due to the possibility of long-term recurrence and significant trauma, affecting both the appearance and function of the vulva.

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Written by Niu Hai Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
42sec home-news-image

Can vulvar leukoplakia be cured completely?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus cannot be cured. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is also known as vulvar sclerosis and is mainly characterized by atrophy, thinning, and depigmentation of the vulvar and perianal skin, turning it white. The symptoms mainly include vulvar itching and a burning sensation. Sometimes the skin may appear shiny, wrinkled, and less elastic, which can also lead to cracking and peeling. Treatment generally involves local medications and is primarily supported by physical therapy. While most treatments are effective, they are not curative and require repeated therapy.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Can vulvar lichen sclerosus turn into cancer?

Patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus mostly do not have serious problems, but a very small number may develop vulvar cancer. There is a tendency towards malignant transformation, making vulvar lichen sclerosus a complicated gynecological condition. There is no specific cure for this disease, nor is there a particularly good treatment method available; the only option is to visit a hospital regularly for medication to alleviate symptoms. Therefore, as vulvar lichen sclerosus has a tendency to become malignant, if you feel discomfort, significant itching, or worsening of the condition, it is advisable to undergo a vulvar biopsy at a hospital to confirm whether there is a cancerous change. Thus, although the likelihood of cancer transformation in vulvar lichen sclerosus is not very high, it is still better for patients with this condition to seek treatment at larger hospitals.