Is the heritability of vulvar lichen sclerosus high?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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 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 Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vulvar lichen sclerosus cause pain during intercourse?

Vulvar leukoplakia belongs to vulvar dystrophic diseases, and when accompanied by vaginal contraction, symptoms of pain during intercourse can occur. Therefore, when vulvar leukoplakia is discovered, it is necessary to actively cooperate with the doctor for treatment. Sometimes treatment with traditional Chinese medicine can be more effective, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and alleviating symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested that women with vulvar leukoplakia eat more foods rich in vitamins and fruits in daily life, which can sometimes help alleviate symptoms. Women with vulvar leukoplakia should avoid emotional fluctuations, especially when itching symptoms are pronounced, and try to avoid scratching with hands to prevent local infections.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 6sec home-news-image

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 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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What ointment to apply for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus clinically manifests as localized whitening of the vulvar skin color, accompanied by itching, which can be severe. Patients with severe conditions typically find it difficult to achieve therapeutic effects with general medications, so it is crucial for patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus to visit a hospital for timely and appropriate treatment. The occurrence of vulvar lichen sclerosus is primarily due to local malnutrition and excessive keratinization of the vulvar skin. Therefore, patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus are generally considered to have a complex gynecological condition. This condition can be symptomatically treated with the ointment, bamboo red fungus cream, or by undergoing physical therapy in larger hospitals, which may include treatment with the Haifu knife. Therefore, it is essential for patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus to receive a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment in a hospital.