WHAT IS LICHEN SCLEROSUS?
Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that may lead to scarring of the vulva and sexual dysfunction.
It is common in premenarchal girls and menopausal women, even though women may frequently have symptoms during reproductive years.
This condition is very often unrecognized and misdiagnosed for several years. That is why we do not know the exact prevalence of the disease.
Although it is still unclear what is causing this disease, evidence suggests that LS is an autoimmune illness with a genetic component.
Clinically, most patients present with genital itching, pain at the vaginal opening, and pain with sex. Some patients don’t have any symptoms and are diagnosed during a physical examination.
Physical examination typically reveals pale and white patches of skin around the vaginal opening (“cigarette paper” appearance), scarring, narrowing of the vaginal opening leading to overall distortion of the vulvar anatomy.
CURRENT TREATMENTS
Currently, the gold-standard treatment for LS is ultrapotent topical corticosteroid cream or ointment – Clobetasol. Typically, the cream is used for three months initially, followed by variable regimens after that. Thereafter, application of the cream once or twice weekly is needed to keep symptoms under control.
Sadly, with long-term use, corticosteroid cream or ointment will induce thinning and atrophy of the skin and may cause a burning sensation.
The absence of reliable treatment for LS is frustrating for patients and clinicians.
However, recent research has demonstrated very promising benefits of non-steroid-based therapies, including Platelet Rich Plasma therapy and energy-based modalities such as the fractional CO2 and Erbium lasers, photodynamic therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and non-ablative radio frequency.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) FOR LICHEN SCLEROSUS.
Utilizing Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is not a new concept. Over the last two decades, it has been successfully used as an effective treatment in different medical fields: wound treatment, orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeries, burns, and cosmetic procedures. As the name implies, the main components of PRP are the patient’s own Platelets. Platelets are extremely important blood cells responsible for multiple vital functions, including tissue healing and regeneration. When tissue damage occurs platelets release particular substances called growth factors and cytokines. These critical factors stimulate tissue repair.
Since PRP is autologous (coming from the patient’s own body), there are no known contraindications, side effects, or allergic reactions.
Lately, few studies have shown successful results with PRP use in patients with LS.
Dr. K is great ...very professional...spends quality time with his patients and listens to all thier concerns...O Shot ...and Thermo ...what an amazing team ...Thanks ...Debbie T...