Lichen Sclerosus: White Patches on Vulva | Symptoms & Private Treatment
Lichen Sclerosus White Patches Vulva
Written by Dr. Shirin Lakhani, Elite Aesthetics
Meet Dr. Shirin Lakhani – a highly experienced aesthetic doctor, GP, and UK trainer for the O-Shot®, P-Shot®, and Vampire® treatments. Founder of Elite Aesthetics, she’s known for her patient-first approach and natural-looking results.
Have You Noticed White Patches on Your Vulva?
If you’ve recently spotted pale or white patches on the vulva, it’s understandable to feel concerned or confused. This is often one of the most visible symptoms of a chronic skin condition called Lichen Sclerosus – a condition that is often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or under-treated, especially in the early stages.
At Elite Aesthetics, we see many women who have struggled in silence, sometimes for years, before finally getting the answers and relief they need. Whether you’re looking for Lichen Sclerosus treatment in Kent or seeking a specialist for white vulval patches in London, we’re here to support you.
What Is Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen Sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the vulva and perianal area. It can also appear on other parts of the body, but in women, it’s usually centred around the genitals.
The condition leads to thinning, inflammation, and whitening of the skin. These changes can cause discomfort, itching, tearing during intercourse, and—most notably—the appearance of white patches on the vulva.
What Do the White Patches Look Like?
The white patches associated with Lichen Sclerosus can look like:
- Smooth, shiny, or paper-thin skin
- Irregular white spots or plaques
- Fused or altered skin texture around the labia
- Areas that may bruise, crack, or bleed easily
These white patches are often dismissed as ‘dry skin’ or simply part of the ageing process, but if they persist or worsen, it’s crucial to seek a professional diagnosis—especially if you’re searching for vulval white patches treatment in Kent or nearby.
Is Lichen Sclerosus Dangerous?
While Lichen Sclerosus is not contagious, it is progressive. Left untreated, it can lead to:
- Chronic pain or discomfort
- Scarring and anatomical changes
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Loss of vulval elasticity or structure
- Increased risk of vulval cancer (in a small percentage of cases)
That’s why early diagnosis and tailored management are essential.
What Causes Lichen Sclerosus?
The exact cause is still not fully understood, but it’s believed to be autoimmune in nature, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin tissue. It may also be linked to hormonal imbalances (particularly low oestrogen) and genetic factors.
Lichen Sclerosus is most common in:
- Women after menopause
- Women with autoimmune disorders
- Women who experienced frequent UTIs or irritation in the past
Why So Many Women Go Undiagnosed
Unfortunately, many women suffer in silence due to embarrassment, lack of awareness, or fear of seeking help. It’s not uncommon for patients to be misdiagnosed with thrush or dermatitis multiple times before getting the right answer.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
We recommend reading: How I Cured My Lichen Sclerosus – a first-hand account of how effective, holistic treatment can change everything.
A Closer Look at the Emotional and Lifestyle Impact
Lichen Sclerosus doesn’t just affect the skin – it affects confidence, relationships, and everyday life. Many women experience feelings of shame, frustration, and isolation.
Chronic discomfort or fear of tearing during intimacy can make sexual relationships stressful or even painful. The anxiety of experiencing symptoms in public, choosing what clothes to wear, or worrying about flare-ups can lead to a reduced quality of life.
That’s why compassionate care that looks beyond the symptoms is essential to true healing.
Effective Private Treatment Options
At Elite Aesthetics, we specialise in private Lichen Sclerosus Treatment with a modern, science-backed approach. Our doctor-led care goes beyond steroid creams and focuses on long-term healing and symptom control.
Whether you’re based in London, Kent, or elsewhere in the UK, our clinic is a trusted destination for discreet and effective vulval skin condition treatment.
We offer a combination of:
- O-Shot® Therapy – Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to regenerate vulval tissue, reduce scarring and improve moisture, elasticity, and sensitivity.
- Morpheus8V – Advanced radiofrequency microneedling that targets deeper skin layers to boost collagen and restore tissue integrity.
- Tailored skincare and hormonal support as needed.
Why PRP and Morpheus8V Work So Well
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) works by drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the healing platelets, and then reinjecting it into the affected area. This promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and encourages collagen production.
Morpheus8V, on the other hand, uses radiofrequency energy delivered through microneedles to reach deep into the dermal layers. It stimulates collagen and elastin – both of which are often depleted in chronic conditions like Lichen Sclerosus.
Used together, these treatments can restore both structure and function to the affected area, improving both symptoms and confidence.
You can learn more about our approach to private Lichen Sclerosus Treatment.
NHS vs Private Care for Lichen Sclerosus
In the NHS, Lichen Sclerosus is often treated with high-potency topical steroids as a first-line option. While these can help manage inflammation, they don’t always offer a long-term solution – especially for more advanced or scarring cases.
At Elite Aesthetics, we provide a more comprehensive approach. We look at your hormone levels, tissue health, sexual function, and emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, we treat you as a whole person, not just a condition.
If you’ve felt dismissed or unheard in the past, our clinic offers an empowering alternative.
What to Expect from Your Visit
You’ll be welcomed into a discreet, professional environment where your comfort and privacy come first. Our patient coordinator will guide you through a relaxed and confidential process.
No pressure. No judgment. Just expert care and real answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lichen Sclerosus
What causes white patches on the vulva?
White patches on the vulva can have several causes, but when the skin appears thin, white, and fragile, Lichen Sclerosus is a common underlying condition. It’s a chronic inflammatory skin issue, often autoimmune in nature, that requires professional diagnosis and care.
Is Lichen Sclerosus contagious?
No, Lichen Sclerosus is not contagious. It cannot be passed on through sexual contact, sharing towels, or any form of physical contact. It’s an internal immune system issue, not an infection.
Can Lichen Sclerosus go away on its own?
Unfortunately, Lichen Sclerosus is chronic and progressive. While symptoms may fluctuate, it doesn’t typically go away on its own. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
What’s the difference between thrush and Lichen Sclerosus?
Thrush is a fungal infection that causes itching, discharge, and irritation, usually treatable with antifungal creams. Lichen Sclerosus causes white skin changes, tearing, scarring, and persistent discomfort, and requires longer-term, specialist care.
Can I still have sex with Lichen Sclerosus?
Yes, but many women experience pain or tearing during intercourse due to skin fragility. Treatments like the O-Shot® and Morpheus8V can help restore tissue health and improve comfort and sensation.
Is there a specialist for Lichen Sclerosus in Kent or London?
Yes — Dr. Shirin Lakhani at Elite Aesthetics is one of the UK’s leading private providers for intimate health conditions, including Lichen Sclerosus. We welcome patients from Kent, London, and across the UK.
You Don’t Have to Live With It
If you’re dealing with white patches on the vulva and suspect Lichen Sclerosus might be the cause, please don’t wait.
🌸 We offer a free 15-minute chat with our friendly patient coordinator – simply call 01322 381 205 or message us on WhatsApp to get started.
