Genital Lichen Planus:
Lichen Planus can affect the genitals. It is seen more in males than in females. In males, it can affect shaft of penis, prepuce and glans. In females, it can affect labia, cervix and vagina. It may be noted that Lichen Planus of genitals is more difficult to treat at compared to one on the skin.
Genital Lichen planus in males:
In the males, it is mostly seen as purple colored or blackish colored lesions on the penis, shaft, or the prepuce and also on the glans. The lesions are dry and irritating with itching and discomfort.The skin is generally affected first and then the genitals may be affected. It is commonly seen in extensive cases, though it may be seen in mild cases also.
This often gives rise to high levels of anxiety, which is out of proportion to the actual severity in the lesions. On the glans whitish streaks may be noticed, on the shaft of the penis the lesions are mostly hyper pigmented.
Genital Lichen Planus is neither contagious, nor infectious; and it does not spread by touch or sexual intercourse.
Genital Lichen planus in in females:
Lichen planus can also affect the female genitals, including the labia, vagina, cervix, vulva and vagina. It may appear as bright red patches or sores. The common symptoms are itching, soreness, pain, excoriation and burning and show localized inflammation. The patient may experience a discharge.
The vulva may have whitish patches. When the vagina is affected, intercourse may be painful, in the acute inflammatory phase.
Such condition can be confused with sexually transmitted diseases, although Lichen Planus is neither sexually transmitted nor contagious as mentioned above.
Diagnosis:
A biopsy may be required to differentiate it from other conditions. A positive history of Lichen Planus on the skin makes the diagnosis easy.Only in advanced cases scarring may occur covering the vagina opening. Surgical procedures are needed in cases where closure has occurred. Vulva and vaginal scarring can occur and the area may be quickly scarred, causing varying degree of discomfort. It can lead to pain at intercourse, difficulty in passing urine and even lead to complete closure of the opening. Early intervention is necessary to limit the scarring and to treat the area in order to keep the tissue open.
Treatment:
All versions of Lichen Planus, including genital variety, are treatable with homeopathy. Genital and oral Lichen Planus is more difficult to treat as compared to the skin (dermal) Lichen Planus.
 |
