What's wrong with vulvar lichen?

Vulvar lichen may be caused by genetic factors, local irritation, immune abnormalities, changes in hormone levels, infection and other factors. It can be intervened through drug treatment, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustment and other methods. Vulvar lichenification is a manifestation of chronic inflammatory skin disease of the vulva and requires prompt medical treatment for a clear diagnosis.

1. Genetic factors

Some patients have a family genetic predisposition, which may be related to specific gene mutations leading to skin barrier function defects. Such patients need to avoid scratching and friction and wear pure cotton breathable underwear to reduce local irritation. If the skin is dry and flaky, you can use urea ointment or vitamin E cream to moisturize as directed by your doctor.

2. Local stimulation

Long-term exposure to chemical fiber clothing, allergies to sanitary products, or excessive cleaning will damage the vulvar skin microenvironment. If it manifests as erythema with clear borders and itching, it is recommended to change to hypoallergenic detergent, wash with warm water, and avoid using alkaline soap. In the acute stage, hydrocortisone butyrate cream or tacrolimus ointment can be used externally as directed by your doctor.

3. Immune abnormalities

When an autoimmune disease such as lichen planus affects the vulva, white mesh-like streaks may appear along with a burning sensation. It is necessary to improve the detection of immune indicators. After diagnosis, halometasone cream can be applied topically. In severe cases, oral prednisone acetate tablets are required to control the immune response.

4. Changes in hormone levels

The decrease in estrogen after menopause can cause the vulvar skin to shrink and thin, forming lichen sclerosis. Symptoms include pale skin and loss of elasticity, which can be treated with local supplementary estrogen ointment, such as estriol cream, and combined with red and blue light irradiation to improve local blood circulation.

5. Infectious factors

Persistent Candida or HPV infection may induce a chronic inflammatory response, resulting in thickened and rough skin. The pathogen needs to be identified through secretion testing. Clotrimazole vaginal tablets can be used for fungal infection. HPV infection needs to be treated in combination with interferon suppositories. Laser ablation can be performed if necessary.

It is necessary to keep the vulva clean and dry on a daily basis, avoid wearing tight pants and sitting for long periods of time, and reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods. It is recommended to review the skin every six months to observe changes in skin lesions. If abnormalities such as ulceration and bleeding occur, seek medical attention promptly. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment, and spouses need to undergo simultaneous examinations to rule out infectious causes.