Do you have white patches and itching on your private parts? Let's talk about Lichen Sclerosus!

Do you have a skin change in your private area, something like white spots, or a constant itch? Sometimes it's a little difficult to talk to someone about things like this, isn't it? But this is a condition that many people suffer in silence, but if treated properly, it can be very well controlled. Today we are talking about this skin disease called `( Lichen Sclerosus )`, which many people have not heard of, but is very important to know.

Simply put, what is Lichen Sclerosus?

Lichen Sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that affects our skin, especially the genitals and the skin around the anus. This causes the skin in those areas to become thin, white, itchy, and painful.

This condition can affect the area outside the vagina (vulva) in women, the penis and its foreskin (foreskin) in men, and the area around the anus in both sexes. Very rarely, it can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the neck, chest, and back.

The important thing is that this is a lifelong condition. That means it cannot be completely cured. But don't worry, with proper treatment, you can control the symptoms and live a normal life. If left untreated, it can cause skin scarring , painful intercourse (dyspareunia), difficulty urinating , and, very rarely, an increased risk of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).

What does this disease look like when it develops? What are the symptoms?

The disease starts as small, white, shiny, slightly raised patches of skin on or around your genitals or anus. Over time, these patches coalesce and form a wrinkled, white patch that looks like parchment paper.

The main symptoms and other complications are clearly listed in the table below.

Who is most at risk of developing this disease?

This condition can develop in anyone, at any age, but some people are at a slightly higher risk.

• Postmenopausal women: This disease is most common in women between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Prepubescent girls: This condition can also occur in young girls.
• Men who have not removed their foreskin: Among men, those who have a foreskin are more likely to develop this.
• People with other diseases: If you have autoimmune diseases , diabetes , allergies, or a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 ( obesity ), your risk may be slightly increased.

Why does this disease occur? Is it contagious?

To be honest, doctors still haven't found the exact cause of Lichen Sclerosus. But there are several things that are thought to be the cause.

• Immune system problem: It is believed that this condition may be caused by the immune system, which is our body's defense system, mistakenly attacking its own healthy skin cells.
• Genetic influence : If someone in the family has this disease, others have a small chance of developing it too.
• Hormonal changes: Changes in the body's hormone levels can affect this.
• Damage to the skin: If there has been a previous trauma to the skin in that area, such as an accident, injury, or sexual abuse, this disease can appear in those areas.

How does a doctor diagnose and treat this disease?

If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is see a doctor. He or she will ask you about your symptoms and examine the affected area.

Most of the time, the disease can be diagnosed by looking at it. However, sometimes, to confirm the diagnosis, a very small piece of skin is taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. This is called a ``Biopsy`` test.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

It is essential to see your doctor regularly for check-ups, both during treatment and after symptoms have subsided, to detect any skin changes, such as cancerous changes, early.

What can we do ourselves to control the symptoms?

Along with the treatment provided by your doctor, small changes in your lifestyle can go a long way in controlling these symptoms.

• Wear loose clothing: Instead of tight underwear and pants, wear loose clothing made of materials such as cotton that are not tight on the body.
• Use unscented soap: Avoid products like soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths that contain fragrances and chemicals. Use a simple, unscented soap.
• Keep your skin dry: Instead of rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel after bathing, pat your skin dry.
• Use a moisturizer: Ask your doctor for advice and apply a simple, fragrance-free, and color-free moisturizer several times a day.
• Avoid scratching: When itching occurs, avoid scratching as much as possible. This will only damage the skin further.
• Reduce activities that put pressure on the skin: Activities such as cycling or horseback riding for long periods of time can cause the skin to become stressed and worsen symptoms.

When should I see a doctor? What is an emergency?

If you notice any changes, itching, or pain in your genital area or around your anus, don't ignore it and see a doctor immediately. The earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to treat and control.

Also, if symptoms recur after starting treatment, or if you develop a new skin lesion or tumor, be sure to inform your doctor.