Womens health
Itching in the genital area? You may have lichen sclerosus
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Itching in the genital area is annoying. Fortunately, a harmless yeast infection is usually the reason. For many women, however, another disease makes life hell: lichen sclerosus. Every 50th woman is affected, but very few are aware of the disease.
It burns, it itches, it hurts: women who go to the doctor with these genital complaints usually get them Standard diagnosis: fungal infection. Another illness can be the cause of the pain: Lichen sclerosus, a type of psoriasis in the genital area. Never heard of it? This is when the disease occurs almost as often like an infection with chlamydia, but unfortunately the disease is often undiagnosed for years. The suffering of affected women is correspondingly great. It is not uncommon for the pain and itching in the genital area to be the reason for this Failure of relationships, because sex is only possible with pain.
Lichen sclerosus: what is it anyway?
The lichen sclerosus is one chronic inflammatory skin diseasewhich shows itself as white, lichen-like spots on the skin and mucous membrane, usually accompanied by burning and itching in the genital area. 75% of the time, the genital area is the affected body region – this of course makes the whole thing even more uncomfortable. Unfortunately, lichen sclerosus is still too rarely diagnosed and treated.
By the way: Not just women, but men can also be affected.
That is why you should see a doctor if itching in the genital area
The disease is not contagious but unfortunately it is too not curable. But it is recognized early enough well treatable. However, the longer the skin disease remains undiagnosed and therefore untreated, the further the disease progresses along with it increasing risk of cancer.
Therefore it is essential to have a regular check-up with the dermatologist, because it is especially important to reduce inflammation and itching in the genital area.
Itching in the genital area: this is how the disease becomes noticeable
If you like this Symptoms please have it checked by the doctor quickly:
- Persistent pain and itching in the genital area
- Patches with pigment disorders that may appear lighter than the surrounding skin or white
- Cracks in the skin
- Indurations
- Inflammation
- Scarring
- Dry skin with no improvement
- Redness
- Regression of the labia
- Bonding of the outer to the inner labia
- Libido disorders
- Psychological implications with depression, social withdrawal, and stress syndromes
- Pain and hypersensitivity in the affected skin areas are further indicators.
- Similar to neurodermatitis, lichen sclerosus occurs in bouts over a certain period of time (weeks or months)
How do I recognize lichen sclerosus?
For many women, the first thing they do is get started uncomfortable burning sensation or nasty itching in the genital area noticeable. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. Especially in the early stages are too visual skin changes hardly recognizable. That is also the reason why the lichen sclerosus is often associated with infections, in particular Fungal infections, is confused. Are also typical Discomfort during intercourse, Problems with the bladder and also the anus and the gluteal cleft can be affected by LS.
How to Examine Yourself:
To pre-examine yourself is a Hand mirror very suitable for viewing the outer genital area (vulva and anus area). Occasional whitish deposits appear and / or Cracks in the skin, especially at the rear entrance of the vagina, or if the small labia begin to stick together with the large ones, this is suspicious and should urgently be presented to a doctor. But persistent burning and itching in the genital area should of course also be treated.
How does my doctor diagnose lichen sclerosus?
LS we actually per one Eye diagnosis diagnosed, but doctors often have great difficulty distinguishing the disease from fungal infections. Especially in the early stages, which is why the disease is not recognized correctly in many women until years after the first symptoms appear. It is all the more important describe all symptoms in detail and to speak to the doctor about lichen sclerosus.
Which doctor is familiar?
If you suspect you may have lichen sclerosus, please go as soon as possible to the doctorto minimize degenerative changes in the affected areas. Gynecologists, proctologists, dermatologists and urologists are the right contacts here. In most cases the symptoms, such as the itching in the genital area, with various cortisone Anoint alleviated. In some cases, however, are also Laser therapies and physical therapies sensible. Which treatment methods are the right one, of course, has to be completely determined individually to be decided.
Further, detailed information for those affected can also be found on the website of the Lichen Sclerosus Association.