The genital itching and pain that this problem causes can often be reduced with prescribed steroid ointments.

Certain lifestyle routines and self-care can also help reduce symptoms and control flares.

Surgery may be needed in severe cases.

ointment bottles

DIGICOMPHOTO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

This article describes common lichen sclerosus treatments.

It also discusses ways to avoid flares and prevent the problem from becoming severe.

DIGICOMPHOTO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

Who Treats Lichen Sclerosus?

A lichen sclerosus specialist can determine your condition’s most appropriate treatment plan.

Therapy can also reduce the risk of anatomical, sexual, and urinary dysfunction.

Medication options are outlined below.

These medications are prescribed in powerful formulations, categorized as ultra-potent because of their strength.

They work against inflammation in your skin.

Ointment vs.

Cream

Lichen sclerosus medication can be administered as an ointment or cream, though ointments are advised.

Research indicates that up to 75% of people using clobetasol for lichen sclerosus achieve relief of symptoms.

It may be continued past 12 weeks, as directed, for flares, maintenance therapy, andremission.

Circumcision is reported to be effective in more than 75% of men with lichen sclerosus.

It can affect your overall quality of life and general happiness.

Herbal Therapies

Herbal therapies and complementary medicines may provide some relief of symptoms of inflammatory diseases.

Surgery is regarded as a second-line therapy for lichen sclerosus in both women and men.

Without treatment or self-care, it can cause serious complications.

Treatment can reduce and potentially eliminate symptoms, though periodic flares are always possible.

This disease requires following a treatment regimen that involves monitoring your body for signs of disease progression.

While it can affect any body part, the disease often involves your genitals and the area around them.

This can impact your quality of life.

The first-line treatment involves the use of a very potent steroid ointment.

Lifelong follow-up and care are needed since flares can occur even after you control symptoms.

When scarring occurs, surgery may be advised.

Early treatment of this disease can help prevent problems like scarring.

Lifetime care and follow-up are needed to reduce your risk of flares.

Kraus CN.Vulvar lichen sclerosus.JAMA Dermatol.

2023;10. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1106318

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).Lichen sclerosus.

Singh N, Mishra N, Ghatage P.Treatment options in vulvar lichen sclerosus: a scoping review.Cureus.

13(2):e13527.

doi:10.7759/cureus.13527

Kwok R, Shah TT, Minhas S.Recent advances in understanding and managing lichen sclerosus.F1000Res.

2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-369.

2022;26(3):258-264. doi:10.1097/LGT.0000000000000669

Yale Medicine.Lichen sclerosus.