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Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Near Lynchburg, VA
Tailored skin care for long-term comfort and a healthier glow.
What is Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the vulva and genital region, though it can occasionally appear on other body areas. It is frequently linked with autoimmune tendencies and can cause the skin to become thin, pale or white, fragile, itchy, and prone to tearing or scarring. The affected skin may look crinkled, patchy, and white in appearance. It is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through sexual contact or everyday touch. At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, we focus on gentle, thorough evaluation and tailored treatment to support your comfort and skin health.
Our experienced team has specialized training in recognizing and managing lichen sclerosus so we can help ease symptoms, protect the skin, and lower long-term risks such as skin changes or skin cancer. With timely diagnosis, proactive treatment, and regular follow up, we work closely with you to control flare ups, preserve tissue health, and enhance your daily comfort and quality of life in Lynchburg, VA.
Start caring for lichen sclerosus with expert, compassionate treatment today.
How is Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosed?
An evaluation for lichen sclerosus usually starts with a detailed medical history and a careful physical examination of the areas that concern you. During your visit, we talk through your symptoms and closely examine the affected skin, noting concerns such as itching, burning, soreness, painful intercourse, or bleeding with sexual activity. In many cases, the diagnosis can be made based on your history and a thorough exam alone.
When the diagnosis remains uncertain, or if symptoms do not improve with standard therapy, a small skin biopsy may be recommended. This simple procedure involves taking a tiny sample of skin, often smaller than a pencil eraser, which is then examined under a microscope. The biopsy helps confirm lichen sclerosus, distinguish it from other skin conditions, and screen for any worrisome changes such as early skin cancer.
Experience Relief with Lichen Sclerosus Treatments Near Lynchburg, VA
Lichen sclerosus treatment aims to calm symptoms, protect delicate tissue, and prevent the condition from progressing over time. Potent topical steroid creams or ointments are usually the first line of therapy and are applied directly to the affected skin to ease inflammation, itching, and soreness. In select cases, additional topical medicines, moisturizers, or supportive strategies may be added to promote healing and maintain skin flexibility. Our team partners with you to design a treatment plan that is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and long term goals.
If lichen sclerosus is not treated, it can lead to scarring, narrowing or closure of the vaginal opening, and a higher chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma, making ongoing follow up and proper care essential to track changes and adjust your treatment as needed.
Who is at Risk for Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus can occur at any age, but it is seen most often in postmenopausal women, particularly in those with a personal or family history of autoimmune disease, hormonal shifts, or an inherited tendency toward sensitive skin; although it is not contagious and cannot be passed through touch or sexual contact, untreated lichen sclerosus can cause persistent itching, pain, and scarring, so recognizing symptoms early and seeking care promptly can help slow progression and protect long term comfort and quality of life.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your visit typically starts with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and medical history so we can understand how lichen sclerosus has been affecting your skin, comfort, and daily life. We will ask about any itching, pain, or visible changes in the genital region or other areas where you have noticed skin changes.
After this discussion, a careful physical examination is performed to look closely at the skin surface and check for any lesions, color changes, or areas of thinning or scarring. If more information is needed to confirm the diagnosis, a small skin biopsy may be recommended to examine the tissue under a microscope and to rule out other conditions such as precancerous changes or squamous cell carcinoma.
If lichen sclerosus is confirmed, we then work with you to design a personalized treatment plan and provide clear guidance, education, and ongoing support to help you manage symptoms and protect your skin health.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, founded in 2018, is committed to supporting your health with focused expertise in women’s care, including advanced gynecologic surgery when an operative approach is the safest and most effective option.
Our clinicians bring specialized skills in non-surgical management of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and complex vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain conditions, with an emphasis on careful evaluation and thoughtful, individualized care.
Over time, our practice has grown to meet broader needs in the Lynchburg community, offering routine gynecologic visits, cancer screenings and Pap smears, menopausal and hormonal management, hormone replacement therapy, breast and contraceptive care, as well as evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequent symptom is persistent itching, often joined by burning, soreness, white or pale patches, and fine cracks or tears in the skin. In more advanced cases, you may also notice painful intercourse, scarring, or tighter skin in the affected area.
Lichen sclerosus is usually identified through a careful review of your medical history and a focused physical exam of the skin. In some situations, a small skin biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Although it is not common, long-standing and untreated lichen sclerosus can increase the chance of developing skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma. This is why regular monitoring and consistent treatment are so important.
The exact trigger is still unknown, but lichen sclerosus is believed to be related to immune system changes, hormonal shifts, and sometimes a genetic tendency.
Treatment usually involves strong topical steroid creams or ointments to calm inflammation, reduce itching, and protect the skin. Depending on your symptoms, additional topical medicines, moisturizers, or supportive therapies may be added to your plan.
Yes, lichen sclerosus is considered a long-term condition that needs ongoing care, even when symptoms improve, to keep flare ups under control and help prevent complications.
Without proper treatment, lichen sclerosus can cause scarring, shrinking or narrowing of the vaginal opening, and a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma over time.
Lichen sclerosus is seen most often in postmenopausal women and in people with autoimmune conditions or hormone imbalances, although it can also appear in children and may improve or resolve as they enter their teen years.
There is currently no permanent cure, but with consistent treatment and regular follow up, most people can keep symptoms controlled, protect their skin, and maintain good long term comfort and function.