How to restore the color of vulvar leukoplakia

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Which department should I go to for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus generally visit the gynecology department of hospitals, as the diagnosis and treatment of this condition are considered a kind of complex gynecological issue. This disease generally cannot be treated in smaller hospitals, and better treatment is usually available in third-grade, class-A hospitals’ gynecology departments. The formation of vulvar lichen sclerosus is mostly due to poor nutrition of the vulva, so patients with this condition should definitely seek treatment at large, third-grade, class-A hospitals. The treatment can generally be conducted through physical methods or topical medications. During the treatment process, the majority of cases can experience symptom relief. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally benign, but in very rare cases, it may turn malignant. Therefore, patients with worsening conditions can undergo a biopsy in the hospital to determine if the lichen sclerosus is worsening or if there is a tendency towards vulvar cancer. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can vulvar lichen sclerosus turn into cancer?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a condition characterized by white lesions on the vulva, which can potentially become malignant under long-term stimulation of vulvar lichen sclerosus. Currently, there are no specific effective medications for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus clinically. If a patient notices depigmentation in the vulvar area, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention from a local hospital to confirm the diagnosis of vulvar lichen sclerosus. If necessary, a local biopsy of the vulva should be conducted to determine the presence of any malignant changes.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can vulvar leukoplakia heal by itself?

Vulvar leukoplakia cannot heal by itself. It is generally considered that the majority of vulvar leukoplakia cases are due to poor nutrition of the vulva. Currently, the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia is one of the more challenging conditions in gynecology, as there are no specific effective medicines for this disease. Treatment can generally be conducted through physical methods such as the HaiFu knife, but there are no special effective drugs for this treatment either. This can only control the condition, alleviate symptoms, and manage itching, but it generally does not achieve a complete cure for vulvar leukoplakia. Therefore, the possibility of self-healing of vulvar leukoplakia is even less likely; considering there are no effective drugs even with treatment, the likelihood of self-healing is not high. Thus, patients with vulvar leukoplakia must actively seek symptomatic treatment in hospitals to at least alleviate symptoms; otherwise, severe itching of the vulva can occur.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Does vulvar lichen sclerosus affect pregnancy?

Normal vulvar leukoplakia does not affect pregnancy. Vulvar leukoplakia is mainly caused by long-term inflammation of the vulva, leading to abnormal proliferation of the local skin. After confirming the situation of vulvar leukoplakia, it is still necessary to treat it according to the specific nature of the vaginal secretions. Firstly, control of vaginal inflammation is necessary to reduce the incidence of vulvar leukoplakia and the tendency towards malignant diseases. If vulvar leukoplakia persists, it may lead to malignant lesions of the local skin. Therefore, appropriate treatment should be administered timely after confirmation.

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Written by Niu Hai Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.