What Is Lichen Sclerosus: Home Remedies For Lichen Sclerosus

What Is Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory and non-infectious skin disease that effects the anal and genital area. It is common in females and leads to white patches on the skin. If this condition is not treated the skin of the affected area becomes fragile, thin, is prone to fissures, and splits. It may also lead to scar and the vulva may shrink over the time leading to the loss of inner vaginal lip or labia minor. With time, loss of vaginal lip may lead to narrowing of the vagina making sex painful. In a few cases if left untreated lichen sclerosus may lead to vulvar cancer.

What Causes Lichen Sclerosus?

The exact cause behind lichen sclerosus is not known. It is not a contagious condition and so cannot be passed from one person to other through sexual intercourse. There are theories that it can be caused due to overactive immune response or hormonal imbalance. A previous damage to the skin may also lead to the development of lichen sclerosus in that particular area.

Who Are At The Risk Of Developing Lichen Sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus is also called a white spot disease. It can occur in both the genders and at any age but is more common in females, especially postmenopausal females. In males, this condition affects the foreskin thus, males who have not been circumcised are more at the risk.

What Are The Symptoms Of Lichen Sclerosus?

If lichen sclerosis is mild, it may not cause any evident symptoms. In most of the cases there may be itch ranging from moderate-to-severe, pain and discomfort, smooth white blotches on the skin, bleeding or blisters or ulcerative lesions and wrinkled patches of the skin. In more severe cases, the skin becomes prone to bruising and tearing and inter course becomes painful.

What Is The Treatment Of Lichen Sclerosus?

In mild cases of lichen sclerosus where genitals are not affected you may not require any treatment and the condition may clear on its own. However, if you experience other symptoms and lichen sclerosus is present on penis or vulva you need to consult your doctor. The treatment of lichen sclerosus includes reducing discomfort and itching. It reduces the risk of scarring and improves the appearance of the skin. In most of the cases, your health care provider prescribes corticosteroid creams and ointments. The ointment is to be applied typically to the affected area everyday to start the treatment and then after a couple of weeks the ointment application is reduced to a few days in a week.

What Are The Home Remedies For Lichen Sclerosus

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause damage to your skin and make your skin very thin. This is why it is better to resort to home remedies for lichen sclerosus. In our article, we have recommended some home remedies to ease discomfort and itching and get rid of lichen sclerosus.

Home Remedies For Lichen Sclerosus

Apple cider vinegar For Lichen Sclerosus-

Apple cider vinegar is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It helps to treat a great deal of skin conditions. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water. With the help of a cotton ball, apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area for a few times in a day. Do not apply large amounts of apple cider vinegar or it may cause burn. Always use organic and raw apple cider vinegar for this purpose.

Aloe Vera For Lichen Sclerosus-

Aloe Vera has many benefits for skin. It has cooling effect. It reduces itch and discomfort. It is antibacterial and prevents infection.

Extract fresh gel of aloe vera and apply it to your genitals several times in a day.

Castor Oil For Lichen Sclerosus –

Castor oil is anti-microbial. It keeps the skin moisturised and eases itch and discomfort. Mix 3 to 4 tablespoons castor oil with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Store this oily mixture in an air tight jar. Apply it to the affected area of few times in a day to heal lesions.

Baking soda For Lichen Sclerosus –

Baking soda relieves itching and soreness. Add two tablespoons baking soda to your bathtub and soak yourself in it for about 20 minutes. Alternatively you can also mix a glass of water with a tablespoon baking soda and wash your genital area gently with this solution.

Coconut oil For Lichen Sclerosus-

Coconut oil is readily available. It is antimicrobial and anti fungal. It keeps the skin moisturised and relief itching and burning. Apply extra virgin coconut oil to the affected area a few times in a day to relieve the symptoms of lichen sclerosus.

Home remedies for lichen sclerosus has been tested and tried and has been found effective to treat the symptoms such as itching and irritation. They keep the skin clear, reduces the risk of secondary infection, and heals lesions. You may use one or more home remedies for lichen sclerosus to relieve your symptoms.