Understanding Lichen Sclerosus (Anus): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Lichen Sclerosus is a painful skin condition that causes chronic itchiness around the genitals. It is thought to affect around one in every 80 people and can often be confused with thrush because of the similarities in symptoms.
But there are other areas that can be affected by lichen sclerosus, such as the anus, penis and vulva.
Perianal lichen sclerous (anus) is very common amongst LS sufferers, and if you’re suffering from perianal lichen sclerosus and would like to understand the causes, symptoms and different treatment options, then this blog will provide the answers.
What Is Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen Sclerosus is a skin condition that affects the skin of the genitals. It appears as white spots and results in chronic itching, painful burning and scarring.
It can affect both men and women. LS in men mostly affects the head of the penis and can also be present around the anus, but overall, women are more likely to suffer from Lichen Sclerosus. Anus and vulva are the most typical areas that it affects.
Your skin has several layers, and if you suffer from Lichen Sclerosus, the outer layer (the epidermis) becomes very thin, resulting in inflammatory cells that invade the next layer of skin (the dermis).
The dermis contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and hair roots, and when it becomes inflamed, it causes painful swelling and broken blood vessels. LS is not contagious and can not be transmitted sexually.
Patient Reviews for Lichen Sclerosus Treatment
What Causes Lichen Sclerosus (Anus) and Perianal Lichen Sclerosus?
The exact cause of Lichen Sclerosus isn’t understood, but it’s likely a combination of factors, including an overactive immune system, your genetic makeup, and previous skin damage or irritation.
Your age and gender can also be a factor in having perianal Lichen Sclerosus (anus, vulva or penile), and it most commonly occurs after menopause. It is thought that lower oestrogen levels could be a cause in triggering different areas such as the anus and vulva.
Studies show that it appears to be more common amongst women with auto-immune illnesses such as thyroid problems or ulcerative colitis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anal Lichen Sclerosus
Whether you have Lichen Sclerosus anus or Lichen Sclerosus vulva, your symptoms might include:
- White patchy skin
- White spots
- Blotchy, wrinkled, and cracked skin patches
- Itching
- Soreness or a burning feeling, especially in the anal area
- Easy bruising
- Fragile skin
- Changes in the tube for urine flow (urethra)
- Bleeding, blistering or open sores
- Pain
Treating Perianal Lichen Sclerosus
Unfortunately, there is no cure for LS, but there are many ways that you can manage your condition and reduce the pain that you are experiencing.
You can try over-the-counter ointments and creams, but these are often not strong enough on their own. The most effective creams are steroid-based but will require a doctor’s prescription.
If you do get prescribed these types of creams, some users find that they become immune to them over time and need to use much stronger doses. For a long-term treatment option, they might not be enough.
In some cases, LS symptoms can become so extreme that surgery will be required to remove excess skin from your genitals. The aim of cutting back your skin is to encourage new, unaffected skin to grow and heal.
Surgery can be very effective for some people suffering from Lichen Sclerosus (anus) and Lichen Sclerosus (vulva), but it can’t stop LS indefinitely, and it could return in the future.
One thing you can do relatively easily is avoid scented soaps and shower gels in the areas affected by Lichen Sclerosus. Your anus, vulva and general vaginal area can be very sensitive, and scented soaps or shower gels can exacerbate the problem.
The O-Shot For Perianal Lichen Sclerosus
If you feel like you’ve tried everything to relieve your LS symptoms, and it’s not helping, there is another treatment that is proven to be very effective for Lichen Sclerosus sufferers.
The O Shot is a non-invasive treatment that helps women break free from Lichen Sclerosus (anus, vulva or other affected areas).
This O-Shot is derived from PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments that harness the power of your own blood to provide healing relief for conditions such as LS.
The O-Shot (for women) and the P-Shot (for men) are non-invasive treatments designed to rejuvenate the vagina and the penis – and can be used on the anus too. It is proven to improve the symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus because PRP injections speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation of the tissues affected by the condition.
By helping to heal the damaged tissue, PRP can provide significant relief from Lichen Sclerosus symptoms. The platelet-rich plasma uses the incredible healing ability of your own immune system, making it a very natural treatment with minimal risk of side effects.
We use an FDA-approved centrifuge at Elite Aesthetics to give the best possible results. The centrifuge concentrates your blood platelets and plasma to make a very potent PRP serum. This is then injected around the affected areas.
This treatment has shown success in reducing itching, pain, and inflammation associated with Lichen Sclerosus. The therapy also promotes tissue regeneration, improving the appearance of scarring caused by the condition.
The results can last up to 12 months, and women suffering from Lichen Sclerosus, anus and vulva, reported feeling improvements within a few days of the treatment.
Traditional Treatments for Lichen Sclerosus
Historically, the treatment for lichen sclerosus has focused on managing symptoms and preventing further complications. Traditional treatments may include:
- Topical Steroids: The first-line treatment for lichen sclerosus is often a potent topical steroid cream or ointment. Steroids help reduce inflammation and alleviate itching but do not address the underlying causes of the condition.
- Immunosuppressive Medications: In some cases, oral medications to suppress the immune response may be prescribed to manage more severe cases of LS.
- Moisturising Agents: Since lichen sclerosus can lead to dry, cracked skin, moisturising ointments and emollients are often used to keep the skin hydrated and reduce discomfort.
- Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: These medications help modulate the immune system and can be an alternative to steroids for some patients.
While these treatments can help manage symptoms, they don’t always provide long-term relief, and some people find that their symptoms return or worsen over time. This is where newer, innovative therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) come in.
Innovative Treatment: PRP for Lichen Sclerosus Anus
At Elite Aesthetics, we believe in offering cutting-edge treatments that go beyond the basics to address the root causes of conditions like lichen sclerosus. One such treatment that has shown promising results for lichen sclerosus is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This technique harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to regenerate tissue and restore skin health.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy involves extracting a small amount of your own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then re-injecting the PRP into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration, enhance healing, and reduce inflammation. This treatment has been used for a variety of conditions, including skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and even in the treatment of autoimmune disorders like lichen sclerosus.
For lichen sclerosus in the anal region, PRP therapy can be particularly effective in the following ways:
- Promotes Healing: PRP accelerates the body’s natural healing process, helping to repair the damaged skin and tissue affected by lichen sclerosus.
- Reduces Inflammation: The growth factors in PRP have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain, redness, and swelling associated with LS.
- Improves Skin Health: PRP stimulates collagen production and enhances skin elasticity, which can help restore the normal appearance and texture of the affected skin.
- Minimises Scarring: Since lichen sclerosus can cause significant scarring, PRP’s regenerative properties can help minimise and even reverse some of the scarring effects, improving both function and appearance.
The O-Shot and P-Shot: Specialised PRP Treatments
Two PRP-based treatments that have shown great promise in treating conditions like lichen sclerosus are the O-Shot and P-Shot. While these treatments are primarily known for their use in vaginal and penile rejuvenation, they have applications for both men and women suffering from lichen sclerosus, especially in the anal region.
- The O-Shot (Orgasm Shot): The O-Shot is typically used for female sexual health issues, including vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. However, when applied to the anal area, it can help rejuvenate tissue, restore lubrication, and relieve discomfort caused by lichen sclerosus.
- The P-Shot (Priapus Shot): While the P-Shot is most commonly used for erectile dysfunction in men, it can also benefit those with lichen sclerosus affecting the anal region. The growth factors in the P-Shot promote tissue regeneration and improve blood flow to the area, reducing pain and enhancing overall skin health.
Both the O-Shot and P-Shot are minimally invasive and involve little to no downtime, making them ideal treatments for those seeking relief from lichen sclerosus symptoms.
Why Choose PRP Therapy at Elite Aesthetics?
At Elite Aesthetics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care using advanced, evidence-based treatments. Dr. Shirin Lakhani and our team of specialists have extensive experience in PRP therapies, ensuring that you receive safe and effective treatment for lichen sclerosus.
If you’re suffering from lichen sclerosus, you don’t have to endure the discomfort and emotional distress any longer. With PRP treatments like the O-Shot and P-Shot, we can help you restore normal function and improve the quality of your life.
Next Steps
The O-Shot is a quick and painless treatment that gives you months of relief from the condition without having to rely on prescribed medication.
It is the most natural treatment without having to resort to invasive surgery, as it harnesses the phenomenal healing power of your own body.
If you would like to hear more about how the O-Shot could treat your perianal Lichen Sclerosus (anus), then you need to book a consultation with one of our experienced doctors.
You can contact us either by calling 01322 381 205, emailing info@elite-aesthetics.co.uk, or WhatsApp us.
We hold our consultations in our award-winning clinic based in Greenhithe, Kent, which is just 20 minutes away by train from London and 10 minutes from Gravesend.
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