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SYMPTOMS
Not everyone
will experience all of the symptoms below. Some patients may not experience any
symptoms of itching and some have symptoms that can be seen but have not looked
at their vulva in order to notice them. Often they are surprised when LS is discovered
whilst being examined for an unrelated condition or having a colposcopy or PAP
or cervical smear.What
are the symptoms of lichen sclerosus? - chronic
itching and soreness of the vulval area
- splitting
of the vulval skin, causing stinging and pain
- inflammation
and sometimes swelling
- splitting
and bleeding of the skin around the anal opening when passing bowel motions, causing
pain and discomfort
- the
skin becomes fragile and pale and white in appearance and there is an increased
susceptibility to infection and thrush
- "shrinking"
(atrophy) of the vulva area, change in shape and size of the area, sometimes causing
urination difficulties and sexual problems
- loss
of vulval features, labia, clitoris
- difficulties
and discomfort with sexual intercourse possibly leading to total sexual abstinence
and enforced celibacy for long periods of time
- narrowing
of the vaginal opening (see page on dilators)
-
fusion of the labia, clitoral
hood and urethra
- blisters
and ulceration (considered to be uncommon)
- LS
does not extend into the vagina
- in
men the foreskin becomes "fused" or tight making retraction of the foreskin
painful and urination may become difficult
- there
is a small risk, estimated at between 3% and 5%, of cancer of the vulva in adult
women
- for
men there may also be a small risk of penile cancer
- in
children the white area often shows as a figure of 8 around the vulva and the
anus
When
this group started 10 years ago 'pain' was not included as a symptom of lichen
sclerosus. In the past few years many medical professionals now include 'pain'
as a symptom often also including symptoms of burning sensations. Pain and burning
are also symptoms of other some vulval conditions and these other conditions may
require different treatment and do not respond to treatment with topical steroids.
The Vulva Helpline takes more and more calls about pain and women report that
their steroid treament does not work to relieve their pain. They want to know
what to do about the pain. If you are concerned about pain it is advisable to
talk to your doctor who can assess your diagnosis as well as review your treatment
to help you manage the pain.
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