What is Lichen Sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the genital and anal areas, though it can occur on other parts of the body as well. It's more common in women, particularly postmenopausal women, but it can also affect men and children. The cause of lichen sclerosus is not fully understood, but it's believed to involve an autoimmune response or an imbalance in hormones. Genetics may also play a role in its development.

The symptoms of lichen sclerosus include white, patchy skin that's thinner than normal. These patches can lead to itching, discomfort, and pain. In severe cases, the skin can become so fragile that it tears easily, leading to bleeding, blistering, and ulceration. Over time, lichen sclerosus can cause scarring, which may lead to difficulties with urination, defecation, or intercourse.

The exact diagnosis of lichen sclerosus is typically made through a clinical examination and may be confirmed by a biopsy, where a small piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope.

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What are the treatment options for Lichen Sclerosus?

Historically, lichen sclerosis has been a very difficult diagnosis to treat adequately. There have been multiple treatment options used, many unsuccessful. These have included testosterone creams, steroid creams, and many “other” creams. For 20+ years, I have used a combination of Eurax and Valisone cream. This is a scabies (tiny bug causing a skin infection) drug mixed with a steroid drug. It has benefited some women, others not.

I am excited about PRP treatment for lichen sclerosis. There is science and clinical trials validating treatment of lichen sclerosis with PRP. This is an exciting treatment option that has had excellent results.

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So what is PRP?

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma.

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So what is platelet plasma?

Most everyone has had their blood drawn into blood tubes. If you take that blood tube and put it in a centrifuge (a machine that spins the blood very fast). This causes separation of the blood into three components:

• PLASMA - watery part of the blood
• PLATELETS - causes the blood to clot
• RED BLOOD CELLS

So when you look at the tube of blood, after it has spun in the centrifuge, three different layers will be seen. Platelet rich plasma is the TOP TWO LAYERS. This platelet rich plasma is injected back into your body causing “growth factors” to be stimulated from your bone marrow. Growth factors stimulates growth of new tissue at the specific area where the PRP was injected. IT IS TAKING YOUR OWN BODY AND HEALING YOUR OWN BODY.

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How does PRP work in treating lichen sclerosis?

Multiple studies show that lichen sclerosis may be an autoimmune disease. This means that the body looks at itself as “foreign”. The immune system kicks in and damages a specific area of the body. In lichen sclerosis, this is the labia, vagina, andperineum.

PRP, when injected into the tissue, damaged by lichen, sclerosis, may cause down regulation of the immune system. This means it causes the immune system to not work as hard, or potentially, completely stop further damage from occurring to this part of the body. Therefore, PRP may cause the tissue injected to heal itself. Again… using the body to heal itself. Exciting stuff!