What is Lichen Sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosis is a complex condition, primarily affecting the genital skin. Despite impacting an estimated 1% of the population, awareness and accurate diagnosis are lacking, partly due to its underreported nature. Experts believe the true prevalence is notably higher, with many cases mistakenly categorized under other conditions.

Those afflicted with lichen sclerosis encounter an array of distressing symptoms including persistent itching, burning sensations, pain, and tearing of the vaginal and vulval tissue. These symptoms extend beyond discomfort and can severely disrupt daily activities, including sexual intercourse, using the restroom, and even clothing choices.

Compounding the issue, lichen sclerosis is frequently misdiagnosed as thrush. However, unlike thrush—which results from an infection—lichen sclerosis is non-infectious and is suspected to have an autoimmune origin.

In the medical community, particularly within the NHS (National Health Service), the predominant approach involves using steroids. Steroids work to alleviate flare-ups and prevent the condition's exacerbation. However, this method primarily addresses symptom control and not the underlying tissue dysfunction.

Since 2015, a promising alternative has shown remarkable results: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This approach utilizes the healing properties within patients’ own blood to rejuvenate the vaginal tissue, markedly reducing both symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups.

PRP therapy works by harnessing components from the patient's blood to facilitate the healing and regenerative processes, providing an innovative breakthrough in managing lichen sclerosis where traditional methods fall short.

The adoption of PRP therapy for managing lichen sclerosis illustrates significant benefits. As observed by practitioners, these include a reduction in symptoms such as itching and burning and an overall improvement in life quality for patients who previously struggled with the inadequacies of standard treatments.

"I’ve seen incredible results in rejuvenating the tissue and stopping the symptoms…"

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