Lichen Sclerosus Treatment UK Atrophicus, Balanitis, Xerotica Obliterans Private Clinic

Lichen Sclerosus is also known as lichen atrophicus, balanitis, xerotica obliterans, and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. As an award-winning clinic based in Greenhithe, Kent, we’re passionate about raising awareness for Lichen Sclerosus and helping women to understand their condition and find appropriate treatment.

Skin irritations around the genitals are not uncommon and are often nothing to worry about. But some conditions, like Lichen Sclerosus (vulval), become so unbearable that they can greatly impact your life. Most treatments are usually dependent on advice from a doctor or skincare specialist. However, when skin problems occur around the genitals, embarrassment often stops people from asking for help.

Lichen Sclerosus Treatment UK, Kent Private Clinic near London and Maidstone

Dr Shirin Lakhani worked as an NHS doctor and is a fully trained aesthetic physician, Elite Aesthetics are celebrating 10 years of business in 2023. She was the first UK female Dr to provide the O-Shot™ and the P-Shot™ PRP treatments with continued documented success – read our case study we have named Lichen Sclerosus cure “Sam’s Story” or listen below:

If you have any questions call our patient co-ordinators on 01322 381 205, or send a message online now. Your first action is to book a one to one private consultation with our fully qualified doctors.

All consultations at Elite Aesthetics are held in our award-winning clinic based in Greenhithe, Kent which is just 20 minutes away by train from St. Pancras, London. During your consultation, you will speak to Dr Shirin, our acclaimed and accredited non-surgical cosmetic practitioner with over 20 years of experience, including several years as a practising GP.

Here you’ll be able to ask any questions you might have and discuss in greater detail what you want to achieve with your O Shot treatment. Click here to book your discreet consultation with Dr Shirin today

Below is a detailed discussion on LS based upon the questions we have received in regards to our Lichen Sclerosus treatment called The O Shot. There are only a few qualified practitioners in the UK able to carry out this treatment and Dr Shirin at Elite Aesthetics is one of them.

What Are Lichen Sclerosus Symptoms?

Lichen Sclerosus is an incredibly frustrating and life-impacting skin condition that affects the skin of the genitals. It appears as white spots and results in itching, burning pain, and scarring. This skin condition is characterised by a persistent inflammatory state and most frequently manifests in females before puberty or after menopause. Even though it is quite uncommon, it can also be found in males. This condition is referred to as balanitis xerotica obliterans when it is discovered in males.

• Your skin has several layers and if you suffer from Lichen Sclerosus (vulval), the outer layer (the epidermis) becomes very thin, resulting in inflammatory cells invading 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.
• Stretchy fibres in your skin, containing essential elastic and collagen, can break which is incredibly painful and can lead to symptoms such as itching, pain and blisters.
• It affects both men and women, but is more common in women and this is referred to as Lichen Sclerosus (vulval).
• Vulvar itching
• Anal itching, bleeding, or pain
• Pain during sex
• Skin bruising and tearing
• Blisters and easy bleeding from minor rubbing of the skin
• Trouble urinating or pain with urination

It is very distressing for those suffering from it, and the symptoms can damage your self-confidence and affect your mental health, putting strain on your relationship with yourself and others. It’s not contagious, but some experts believe that certain gene types might play a role. There is no known cause for Lichen Sclerosus (vulval), but an overactive immune system usually plays a role. Hormone imbalances such as increased or decreased oestrogen levels can contribute to it, as does past skin damage.

Different Lichen Sclerosus Treatments

Lichen Sclerosus (vulval) can be misdiagnosed as thrush, but over-the-counter vaginal creams that are used to treat thrush don’t help resolve the issue.

Stronger ointments and treatments are often needed such as:

• Steroid Creams – They reduce pain, itching and inflammation. However, when used regularly, your body can build up an immunity to the creams and they become less effective.
• Steroid Injections – Lichen Sclerosus (vulval) can also be treated with steroid injections
• Ultraviolet Light – UV-A1 phototherapy is an effective treatment as it softens former sclerotic skin lesions.
• Surgery – In some extreme cases, surgery can be used to remove excess skin from your genitals. The aim is to encourage your skin to heal back stronger.
• O Shot – This is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that helps women break free from this debilitating condition. Many LS sufferers have benefited the most from this treatment.

What Is The O Shot PRP FDA Approved Centrifuge Treatment?

At Elite Aesthetics, we use a specific FDA Approved centrifuge to give the best possible results – and we’re the only clinic in the UK to use this centrifuge for the O Shot. PRP contains essential cell-regenerating growth factors that are needed for effective treatment.

The O Shot is a non-surgical treatment designed to rejuvenate your vagina and is proven to improve Lichen Sclerosus (vulval). It’s a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment that uses the incredible healing ability of your immune system to heal another area.

A small amount of blood is spun at a high frequency within an FDA approved centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma.

This PRP is then injected inside and outside of your vagina. This might sound uncomfortable, but the whole procedure is done under local anaesthetic so any discomfort is minimised.

The way it works is by stimulating your body’s stem cells to produce new tissue including collagen and adipose (fatty) tissue, nerve endings and blood vessels. Treatment areas such as the vaginal tissue become rejuvenated and thicker, and the sensitivity is heightened to increase blood flow to the erogenous zones.

How Does The O Shot Benefit Lichen Sclerosus and Orgasms?

The benefits that you can expect post-treatment are:

• Alleviation from the symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus (vulval)
• Decrease of pain during and after sex due to dryness or scarring
• Increased natural lubrication
• Improved appearance of the labia
• Alleviation from stress incontinence
• Enhanced arousal
• Stronger and more frequent orgasms

Changes in the skin of the external genitalia are one of the telltale signs of lichen sclerosus. The figure of 8 pattern, which involves the vulva and perianal area, is by far the most common distribution. There is also a possibility that the condition will manifest in other parts of the body, including the head of the penis. In point of fact, this skin condition can manifest itself on any area of the skin. While some people who have lichen sclerosus do not experience any symptoms, other people who have the condition report intense itching, discomfort, and/or erosions or ulcers.

The progression of lichen sclerosus is typically characterised by remission and relapse, which is made more difficult by the development of permanent scarring in the areas that are affected. This results in functional issues such as difficulty urinating, defecating, and engaging in sexual activity for affected women, and difficulty urinating or engaging in sexual activity for affected men. The condition cannot be passed on to others, nor is it a disease that can be passed on through sexual contact.

Private Clinic in Kent, close to Maidstone and London

Elite Aesthetics private clinic is based in Greenhithe, Kent, located close to both Dartford and Gravesend stations (just 10 minutes away), Maidstone (15 minutes) and London (20 minutes). Speak to us on 01322 381 205, or send a message online and we’ll reply as soon as we can.

Private Doctor and Nurse-Led Treatments – Established 2013

Understanding PRP Treatment and Non Invasive Surgery

The most recent findings in this area of study lend credence to the theory that it is brought on by a combination of immunological system dysfunction and genetic factors. There are still gaps in our understanding of the factors that contribute to this disorder. When treating genital involvement in women, potent topical steroids are the treatment of choice as they are the most effective. According to a number of studies, women who make consistent use of potent topical steroids are less likely to experience the complications of scarring and have a lower risk of developing skin cancer in the region affected by lichen sclerosus. Strong topical steroids are also an effective first-line treatment for lichen sclerosus in any other areas that have been affected. Pelvic floor therapy, surgical intervention to address scarring (such as circumcision in men), and in some cases, oral immunosuppressive medications are also potential treatments for vulvar dysplasia. Because lichen sclerosus is linked to an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in women who have genital involvement, it is critical for those who are afflicted with the condition to undergo lifelong screening examinations in addition to receiving ongoing treatment in order to keep the condition under control.

More recently, advances in PRP treatment have been successful in treating LS. Dr Shirin Lakhani is a leading doctor in the treatment and has a good success rate. She wanted to find a treatment that would tackle the cause of LS rather than treating the symptoms, thus giving a much longer period of LS remission.

How Lichen Sclerosus Impacts Daily Life

In most cases, the lichen sclerosus will manifest itself on the external genitalia (vulva or penis) and/or the region surrounding the anus (perianal region). There are times when it is accompanied by intense burning, pain, and itching that cannot be controlled. Even relatively minor abrasions or chaffing can cause bleeding, tearing, and blistering if the disease is in a severe enough stage. The scarring that occurs as a result of lichen sclerosus that has not been treated can cause issues with urination, defecation, and sexual activity. When present, skin that is fragile, easily irritated, and easily torn can influence both the types of physical activities and clothing options available.

Constipation is likely to be one of the earliest warning signs of the presence of lichen sclerosus in children who have the condition that affects the perianal region. It is much more likely for Lichen Sclerosus to affect males who have not been circumcised as opposed to males who have had the procedure done.

Lichen sclerosus can occasionally appear on other parts of the body, including the breast, wrists, shoulder, neck, back, thigh, and mouth. This is a very unusual occurrence.

Tissue beneath the skin frequently becomes fragile, shiny, wrinkled, and reminiscent of parchment. Frequent occurrences of fissures, cracks, and ecchymoses (purplish patches) are observed. The earliest areas of lichen sclerosus have a centre that has the appearance of porcelain white and is surrounded by redness. This eventually comes to form larger areas of lichen sclerosus as it grows together. Blisters and bruises can form on the skin in areas that are more likely to be subjected to rubbing and friction. The long-term effects of lichen sclerosus include patches of shiny, thin skin that frequently become dry, crack, or bleed as a result of the condition. In addition to this, the normal parts of the external genitals will be lost, the opening of the urethra, vagina, and anus will become narrower, and men will develop phimosis, which is the inability to retract their foreskin. In women, the presence of non-healing ulcers or raised ulcerated areas in the external genitalia raises the possibility that squamous cell carcinoma may be developing.

Although it can affect other parts of the body, lichen sclerosus most frequently appears on the foreskin of the penis in males. However, it can also appear on other parts of the body. It’s possible that the opening at the end of the foreskin will scar over and become smaller. Alterations in skin colour and texture may also take place. In addition to itching and painful erections, other symptoms include soreness and aching. Involvement in the perineal region is extremely uncommon in males.

Lesions of the skin can appear anywhere on the body, including the mouth in extremely rare instances. On the interior of the cheeks and/or palate, the lesions take the form of irregular patchy areas that are flat and bluish-white in colour. There is also a possibility that the tongue, lips, and gums are involved.

LS Causes – a mystery of an autoimmune disorder

It is not known for certain what causes lichen sclerosus to develop. According to the majority of studies, it is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune disorders are caused when the natural defences that the body has against “foreign” or invading organisms (such as antibodies) begin to attack healthy tissue for reasons that are not fully understood. Some cases of lichen sclerosus may be linked to the formation of certain antibodies, such as those that target a thyroid protein called thyroglobulin or certain cells that line the walls of organs.

There is a school of thought amongst certain researchers that lichen sclerosus may have a genetic component. A genetic predisposition indicates that an individual carries a gene for a disease, but that gene may not be expressed in that individual until the disease is triggered by something in their environment. Other researchers have hypothesised that hormones, irritants, infectious agents, or some combination of these could be the root cause of this skin condition. There have been reports of instances in which lichen sclerosus manifests itself on skin that has been damaged (as a result of an injury or trauma).

Recent studies suggest that an autoimmune reaction in individuals who are genetically predisposed to developing lichen sclerosus is the most likely cause of this skin condition.

Women aged between 40 and 60 years of age are most at risk

Patients typically experience symptoms between the ages of 40 and 60 years old when they are diagnosed with lichen sclerosus. Women have a six times greater risk of being affected by the condition than men do. In the medical literature published in the United States, there have also been younger females and males of both sexes identified. There have also been reports of female children under the age of thirteen being affected by this condition.

Related Disorders: Morphea, Lichen Planus and Dermatitis

The following conditions’ signs and symptoms may be confusingly similar to those of lichen sclerosus. The differential diagnosis may benefit from the following comparisons:

Morphea, also known as localised scleroderma, can affect both children and adults. Recent studies suggest that up to twenty percent of people who have morphea, particularly post-menopausal women, may have changes in the genital area that are similar to lichen sclerosus. In addition, morphea lesions and lichen sclerosus may coexist on the body at the same time. Because of this, people who have lichen sclerosus should have their skin checked for morphea symptoms, and people who have morphea should have their skin checked for lichen sclerosus symptoms.

Lichen planus is an extremely uncommon condition that manifests itself on the skin in the form of recurring, itchy, inflammatory eruptions. Which are typically comprised of a number of discrete, angular spots that occasionally combine to form rough, scaly patches. Oral lesions are a common symptom of lichen planus and frequently occur alongside the condition. The disorder affects females more frequently than it does males. (In the Rare Disease Database, use “lichen planus” as your search term to find out more information about this condition.)

The abnormal development of cancerous changes in the skin of the vulva is the defining feature of the malignant condition known as carcinoma of the vulva. Alterations may be similar to those seen in severe cases of lichen sclerosus.

Skin changes around the vulva that are linked to chronic irritation are represented by the condition known as lichen simplex chronicus. It is distinguished by thick plaques of skin that are typically red in colour and characterised by an itchy rash.

Dermatitis, both endogenous and exogenous, is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin. It often manifests as a rash that is red and itchy. In its more advanced stages, the condition can cause the skin to thicken and even develop fissures. Dermatitis and early lichen sclerosus can be differentiated from one another through the use of a biopsy.

Vitiligo can have a presentation that is very similar to lichen sclerosus, which is characterised by few symptoms. It causes a whitening of the skin that is symmetrical and bilateral. It is possible for a single individual to have both vitiligo and lichen sclerosus at the same time.

Diagnosing Lichen Sclerosus and Traditional Treatments

The diagnosis of lichen sclerosus is made by observing the affected areas of skin. Every individual who has been impacted needs to have a comprehensive clinical evaluation, as well as the identification of distinctive physical features and a detailed patient history. The functional impact of lichen sclerosus and treatment to date, including treatment with over-the-counter products that might be applied.

In order to prevent scarring and reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus need aggressive treatment and ongoing monitoring throughout their lives. The treatment consists of applying an ultrapotent corticosteroid ointment, which can be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. Within a few days to a couple of weeks, the itching could be relieved with the help of these medications. It is possible that after a few months of consistent use, they will make it possible for the skin to regain its strength and texture. However, they will not be able to affect any scarring or changes in skin colour that may have already taken place. Photos are taken quite frequently in order to assist in tracking improvement and monitor for change.

Treatment in men is not well studied. When performed on uncircumcised individuals, circumcision has the potential to be curative. In such a case, potent steroid ointments that are applied topically are also recommended. The same can be said for lesions outside of the genitourinary system. Long-term follow-up is recommended mainly to maintain control of the lichen sclerosus, but the risk of cancer appears to be quite low in men.

Phototherapy, systemic (oral) immunosuppressive medications, and topical immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus are all part of the second line of treatment. When the condition is very severe, surgical excision of the affected layers of skin may be beneficial. The practise of circumcision may be beneficial for males (if the foreskin is involved). In most cases, people who have scarring that causes functional impairment are the only candidates for the procedure.

Lichen Sclerosus Treatments – Non Invasive O-Shot™ with a Private Doctor

Whilst there are many treatments to tackle the impact of LS, there are few that can relieve and tackle the disease at source. The O Shot has had wonderful results for our patients with the vast majority having a significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. Dr Shirin specialises in Women’s Health and has a broad background in medicine. She is passionate about helping patients with LS, so please do get in touch. Of course, any communication will remain confidential.