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Lichen Sclerosus: Symptoms, Progression and Measures to Prevent Narrowing
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the vulva and anus. In this guide, you will find information about its causes, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment options. Unlike many AI-generated articles, this guide offers genuine added value: practical therapeutic experience, insights from the development of medical devices and carefully selected links to more in-depth information. You will also learn how a new form of treatment using a medical device may significantly relieve symptoms and improve or even stop the progression of the condition.
Contents
Before we go into the details, I would like to introduce a new approach to treating the symptoms: With FMS Dilators, narrowing of the vaginal opening as well as adhesions or shrinkage of the labia can be treated gently and effectively. Unlike conventional dilators, they do not work through stretching alone, but through gentle movement and massage, helping to improve tissue flexibility and stimulate local metabolism.
Theros FMS Dilators are certified medical devices. Their safety of use is confirmed by the CE mark. Further information can be found in our guide on the use of dilators for Lichen sclerosus.
Causes and Development of Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is one of the conditions whose causes have not yet been fully clarified by medical research. The disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder. Hormonal and genetic factors also appear to play a role.
Women and girls are affected most frequently, while men and boys are affected less often. The disease usually progresses in episodes, with longer symptom-free periods possible between flare-ups.
Establishing the Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually based on an assessment of the skin changes and symptoms. This requires experience on the part of the healthcare professional.
Many affected individuals, however, report delays in receiving a diagnosis. In addition, a so-called Lichen sclerosus score may be helpful. In some cases, a biopsy is performed, mainly to exclude other conditions.
Symptoms in Women and Girls
Typical early signs are itching and burning in the genital area. Later, whitish skin changes develop around the vulva and anus. The vagina itself is not affected.
As the condition progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
- Hardening of the tissue and fissures
- Scar formation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort during urination
The pattern and severity of symptoms vary from person to person.
Symptoms in Men and Boys
In men, the foreskin is most commonly affected. This may lead to narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis). Other symptoms include itching, discolouration and pain.
Children may also be affected, often with less pronounced visible symptoms.
Treatment Options for Lichen Sclerosus
The standard treatment consists of corticosteroid creams. These can relieve symptoms but usually do not cure the condition.
Additional treatment approaches include:
- Skincare products to stabilise and protect the skin
- Laser therapies
- Surgical procedures (for example circumcision in men)
A complete cure is currently not possible according to conventional medicine, but significant improvement of symptoms can often be achieved.
Self-Management and Daily Life with Lichen Sclerosus
Important measures in everyday life include:
- Regular care with suitable skincare products
- Avoiding irritating substances
- Wearing loose clothing made from natural materials
- Supporting healthy digestion
In addition:
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
- Exchanging experiences with other affected individuals
- Sexual counselling if needed
Treating Lichen sclerosus yourself
You can actively contribute to your treatment by:
- caring for the skin with rich, lipid-based creams
- stretching – or rather, increasing the flexibility of the tissue – to help prevent narrowing.
Stretching the vaginal opening helps prevent narrowing caused by the progressive hardening of the tissue. However, stretching with wedge-shaped dilators is often quite uncomfortable because the diameter of most dilators increases too quickly, and because the size increments in sets with only a few dilators are usually perceived as far too large.
There is a better way:
For effective treatment to increase tissue flexibility, we recommend FMS Dilators. These dilators are not conical like conventional dilators, but streamlined, inspired by nature.
The effect of conical dilators is based on stretching caused by an ever-increasing diameter the deeper the dilator is inserted. The effect of FMS Dilators is based on a completely different approach:
Thanks to their many finely graduated sizes, FMS Dilators can be precisely adapted to your individual anatomy and the severity of your symptoms. A comfortably sized dilator is inserted, using only the front end with the elliptical tip. By gently moving the dilator back and forth, the tip creates a gentle, pulsating massage that simultaneously activates the tissue and increases its flexibility. Once this has been achieved, the size is increased by just one small increment.
This approach is significantly more comfortable and gentler than conventional stretching.
Additional advantages:
FMS Dilators are not made of silicone, but of borosilicate glass, whose surface has no pores: FMS Dilators therefore generate virtually no friction and remain permanently highly hygienic.
FMS Dilators are certified medical devices with proven effectiveness. Their safety of use is confirmed by the CE marking.
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