Lichen Sclerosus: Therapy

Notice: Early diagnosis and thus effective initiation of therapy is important!

General measures

  • Cleaning and care of the intimate area
    • Use little soaps when washing in the genital area.
    • Mild substances should be used for washing; use neutral fat ointments in intervals without treatment.
    • Several times daily application of emollients (bes. fatty ointments) and / or oils e.g. almond oil, olive oil.
    • Apply ointments containing fat before bathing in chlorinated water.
  • Careful hygiene after visiting the toilet:
    • Using a bidet after using the toilet or (if this is not available):
    • Dabbing with damp toilet paper and then dabbing the lesions with oil-soaked sanitary wipes.
  • Avoid local irritation:
    • Rough paper towels, damp toilet paper, hard towels.
    • Intimate sprays
    • Tight / abrasive clothing
    • Cycling; if cycling, then with windowed saddle.
    • Riding
  • Use silk underwear instead of cotton underwear.
  • For children, pay attention to short fingernails (due toScratching).
  • Avoid sexual intercourse in any case; if necessary, use lubricant.
  • Before sports or after long marches apply an ointment (eg dexpanthenol cream (also known as pantothenol, D-panthenol or panthenol) or petroleum jelly. alb.)

Conventional non-surgical therapy methods

  • Conventional non-surgical therapeutic procedures are available for

Regular checkups

  • Since there is a slightly increased risk of skin cancer of the affected region, regular check-ups are required!In the case of non-healing wounds or lump formation, the attending gynecologist must be consulted immediately!

Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)

  • UVA1 phototherapy (UVA1 wavelength: 340-400 nm) – this specific phototherapy is able to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in patients’ T cells (belong to the lymphocyte cell group; inflammatory cells of the skin).