Lichen sclerosus treatment

Painless Fotona dual laser treatment for lichen sclerosus, a genital skin condition.

Lichen sclerosus is a relatively rare skin condition affecting both sexes, the cause of which is not yet fully understood. It is thought to be linked to immunological processes. It may occasionally resolve on its own, but usually requires long-term treatment. In 5 per cent of cases, cancer may develop in the affected area, which is why regular check-ups are important. The condition can appear anywhere on the body, but most often affects the genitals, where the symptoms are also much more pronounced. Inflammatory signs appear first, accompanied by burning and itching. The skin first shows red, then whitish discolouration, which also feels different from the surrounding skin.

The condition affects women more often. As it most commonly appears after the menopause, many people confuse it with symptoms caused by a lack of female hormones. Painful intercourse and tormenting itching are often the leading symptoms, as the female intimate area is less visible and skin changes may not be noticed immediately. As a result of atrophy, the skin cracks easily, which also causes pain during intercourse.

Pathogens also settle more easily in these injuries, so lichen sclerosus is often accompanied by fungal or bacterial infection, which further worsens the condition and makes it harder to recognise the underlying disease.

Following local treatments, erbium (Er:YAG) and neodymium (Nd:YAG) laser treatments represent a new milestone in the treatment of lichen sclerosus. In addition to their remarkable symptom-relieving effect, their tumour-preventive effect should also be mentioned. We apply 3–4 painless treatments every 3–4 weeks.