Lichen Sclerosus in Houston, TX

Advanced Dermatology offers compassionate care to individuals with skin conditions that can cause a disruption in your life. Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that can lead to long-term discomforts, mostly seen in women as a vulvar disorder. It includes small white, shiny spots on the skin that can grow and become larger and more widespread. These small growths commonly appear in post-menopausal women on the genital area but also can affect the upper body or arms.

If not treated, these spots can turn into bigger plaques, tearing the skin and causing hot, blistering inflammation with itching and bleeding. This condition is not contagious and may even go away on its own. However, the more progressive cases of lichen sclerosus must be treated. If you think you may have lichen sclerosus, please schedule yourself a consultation at Advanced Dermatology in Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX for an evaluation. A person who is suffering from a skin condition, like lichen sclerosus, may feel irritated or pain while others would usually just be concerned with how it looks. It is always important to visit your local medical provider to give you the right diagnosis and treatment options to be safe.

Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition with only a few speculations for its actual cause. We see patients of all ages and genders with hormonal imbalances and lowered immunity develop lichen sclerosus. No matter what the cause for lichen sclerosus is, we can provide you with medical care to treat your symptoms and alleviate discomfort it may bring about if it is inflamed.

No matter where your symptoms of lichen sclerosus are popping up on your body, we recommend treatment as soon as symptoms appear, such as:

• White patches of skin that look shiny
• Thin, cracked skin (under and around the white patches)
• Blistered skin
• Itchy skin
• Skin that bleeds easily in affected areas
• Painful, tender, and sensitive to the touch
• Scars from past outbreaks inflame again

When the skin is broken down repeatedly, the chances of a cancer cell forming is higher. While the lichen sclerosus condition itself doesn't lead to cancer, the affected skin is at risk if left undiagnosed and untreated. By managing lichen sclerosus, you may ward off cancer cells from forming on or near your reproductive organs.

In most cases, if the patches of red scales and spots appear on the upper body or the arms, treatment is usually not needed and the symptoms disappear on their own. However, if the condition appears within the genital region, treatment should be sought out, even if the patches do not cause you any issues or pain. Without treatment, they can worsen and interfere with sexual intercourse, urination, or turn into skin cancer. Treatment usually includes a strong prescription ointment or cortisone cream, which helps stop any itching. Surgical removal can also be considered, but in many cases, there is a chance the lesions can come back. Our team at Advanced Dermatology will assess your diagnosis and provide a treatment plan that is effective in preventing the condition from recurring.

What can cause a flare up of lichen sclerosus?

A variety of household items could irritate lichen sclerosus. These include detergents, shower gels, soap, and bubble baths. Additionally, friction or damage to the skin can cause instances of flare ups.

What happens if lichen sclerosus is left untreated?

If left untreated, lichen sclerosus can cause serious problems. This includes an increased risk of skin cancer and vulvar cancer, as well as severe pain during sex. For these reasons, it is incredibly important to have lichen sclerosus diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

What foods should I avoid if I have lichen sclerosus?

Though there is no cure for lichen sclerosus, making slight adjustments to your diet, in conjunction with proper treatment, can help alleviate some of its symptoms. Traditionally, it helps to eliminate oxalate-rich foods, such as spinach, boxed cereals, and almonds, to reduce inflammation caused by lichen sclerosus.

Advanced Dermatology is your one-stop skin care destination in the Greater Houston, TX area. We have a team of experienced board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, nurses, and medical assistants trained to treat all of your dermatology needs. If you have patches of scaly skin with inflamed or red spots that look like lichen sclerosus, we invite you to call Advanced Dermatology in Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX to learn more and to schedule an assessment. We are here to help you.