Lichen Sclerosus Inside Vulva: The Hidden Condition No One Talks About

Lichen Sclerosus Inside Vulva: The Hidden Condition No One Talks About

Written by Dr. Shirin Lakhani, Elite Aesthetics

Lichen Sclerosus is a distressing and frequently misunderstood condition that many women endure in silence. When it affects the internal parts of the vulva, it becomes even more complex, often going unrecognised for years. The physical symptoms can be debilitating, but the emotional toll is just as profound.

At Elite Aesthetics, Dr. Shirin Lakhani is pioneering a compassionate, evidence-based approach to diagnosing and managing Lichen Sclerosus—particularly when it affects the internal vulval structures. With extensive experience in both aesthetic and intimate regenerative medicine, she is one of the UK’s leading voices on this condition.

This blog explores how Lichen Sclerosus presents inside the vulva, why it’s commonly misdiagnosed, and how Dr. Lakhani’s unique approach is transforming lives with cutting-edge treatments like the O Shot® and Morpheus8V.

Meet Dr. Shirin Lakhani: A Leader in Women’s Intimate Wellness

Dr. Shirin Lakhani is a multi-award-winning doctor, a former NHS anaesthetist, and a highly respected figure in intimate health. She founded Elite Aesthetics with a mission: to provide discreet, expert care for concerns that are often brushed aside or poorly understood—especially vulval and sexual health conditions.

Through her training in aesthetic and regenerative medicine, Dr. Lakhani has helped hundreds of women manage complex conditions like Lichen Sclerosus using innovative, non-surgical treatments. Her warm, honest, and empowering approach has made her a trusted name for those who’ve felt unheard or dismissed elsewhere.

She believes in looking at the whole woman—not just the skin—and providing care that restores confidence, comfort, and dignity.

Understanding Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the vulva and anus, although it can appear elsewhere on the body. It causes the skin to become thin, white, and fragile. When untreated, it can lead to fissures, scarring, and painful fusion of vulval structures.

Most importantly, it’s not just a skin issue—it affects your ability to enjoy intimacy, to feel at ease in your own body, and to live without discomfort.

What Does “Inside the Vulva” Mean?

Many healthcare professionals focus only on the outer appearance of the vulva. But Lichen Sclerosus can also affect the internal structures—particularly the:

• Labia minora (inner lips)
• Clitoral hood
• Vaginal vestibule (entrance)
• Urethral opening

Internal Lichen Sclerosus can be particularly painful and invasive. Unfortunately, it’s also the most likely to be missed during rushed examinations or misunderstood by non-specialists.

Common Symptoms of Internal Lichen Sclerosus

Symptoms may vary, but patients commonly report:

• Burning, stinging, or irritation deep within the vulva
• Tearing or bleeding during sex or even when wiping
• Difficulty with smear tests, tampon use, or pelvic exams
• White patches, thinning skin, or shiny appearance inside the vulva
• Loss of vulval definition or fusion of structures
• Low libido due to fear of pain or discomfort

Women often describe it as “raw,” “tight,” or “like sandpaper”—yet many are repeatedly told there’s “nothing wrong.”

Why It’s So Often Misdiagnosed

Internal LS is frequently mislabelled as:

• Recurrent thrush
• Vaginal atrophy (especially post-menopause)
• Vulvodynia
• Contact dermatitis or allergies

Dr. Lakhani explains that standard visual inspections and swabs often miss the diagnosis. It takes time, understanding, and a trained eye to spot LS inside the vulva—and even more so to treat it effectively and compassionately.

The Emotional Impact: More Than Just Skin Deep

Beyond the physical symptoms, LS can profoundly affect a woman’s confidence and wellbeing. Many women avoid intimacy, develop anxiety about their body, or lose trust in the medical system after years of being dismissed.

Dr. Lakhani believes that treating Lichen Sclerosus must involve restoring that confidence. Her consultations always allow time for listening, validation, and helping women understand their condition without shame.

Dr. Lakhani’s Diagnostic Approach

At Elite Aesthetics, diagnosing LS involves:

• In-depth medical and sexual history
• Gentle, expert internal examination (only with full consent)
• Use of vulvoscopy (magnified examination of vulval tissue)
• Targeted swabs or biopsies if needed

Every consultation is private, compassionate, and patient-led. Dr. Lakhani’s patients often say they feel truly heard for the first time.

Advanced Treatment Options at Elite Aesthetics

Dr. Shirin Lakhani combines modern medical science with regenerative aesthetics to treat Lichen Sclerosus in a way that’s effective, holistic, and minimally invasive.

1. Topical Steroids (Used Strategically)

Potent topical steroids remain a first-line treatment to control inflammation and prevent scarring. But when applied internally, the protocol must be tailored with precision. Dr. Lakhani uses short-term, tapered regimens alongside hydration and barrier repair strategies to minimise side effects while maximising results.

2. The O Shot®: Regenerative Healing from Within

The O Shot is one of Dr. Lakhani’s signature treatments for internal Lichen Sclerosus. It uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient’s own blood, injected into targeted areas inside the vulva to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote natural regeneration.

Benefits of the O Shot include:

• Reduction in internal pain and soreness
• Improved tissue hydration and elasticity
• Enhanced sexual function and sensation
• Support for urinary issues like urgency or stress incontinence

Patients often begin to see improvements within weeks, and results continue to build as collagen and tissue healing accelerates.

3. Morpheus8V: Deep Collagen Remodelling

Morpheus8V is a revolutionary combination of microneedling and radiofrequency, designed specifically for vaginal and vulval tissue. Dr. Lakhani uses this technology to:

• Reverse vulval thinning and dryness
• Soften scar tissue and reduce fusion
• Improve blood flow and collagen density
• Relieve pain and tightness

For many patients, a course of Morpheus8V provides long-term improvement, often replacing or reducing the need for topical medication.

4. Vulval Skincare and Lifestyle Guidance

Dr. Lakhani ensures every patient receives education on vulva-safe skincare, gentle cleansing routines, lubrication options, and identifying common triggers. These seemingly small changes can make a huge difference in managing flare-ups and preventing future damage.

Real Life: A Patient’s Journey

One patient who came to Dr. Lakhani had been misdiagnosed for five years. She was told it was thrush, then “just menopause.” By the time she arrived at Elite Aesthetics, she had severe narrowing, internal pain, and emotional trauma.

After a full assessment, Dr. Lakhani diagnosed internal Lichen Sclerosus. She created a plan involving topical steroids, the O Shot, and two sessions of Morpheus8V. The patient experienced:

• Significant reduction in pain
• Regained ability to have pain-free intimacy
• Reversal of scarring and tightness
• Emotional healing and restored confidence

You can read more in her words in the blog: How I Cured My Lichen Sclerosus.

Support Beyond the Clinic

Dr. Lakhani understands that true healing goes beyond clinical treatments. That’s why she provides ongoing support through:

• Regular follow-ups to monitor progress
• Access to a patient coordinator for ongoing questions
• Referral to psychosexual counselling if needed
• Open communication with partners (with patient consent)

Patients are never rushed or made to feel ashamed. The aim is empowerment, education, and partnership in care.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Booking a visit to Elite Aesthetics is a step toward clarity, comfort, and confidence. Your first consultation will include:

• A confidential chat about your symptoms and medical history
• A gentle examination (only if appropriate and consented to)
• Diagnosis or differential diagnosis with clear explanations
• A bespoke treatment plan that suits your comfort level and goals

Dr. Lakhani’s approach is centred on respect, privacy, and treating you as an informed and equal partner in your care.

Why Patients Travel to See Dr. Shirin Lakhani

For many of Dr. Lakhani’s patients, Elite Aesthetics isn’t just a clinic—it’s a turning point. They come from across the UK seeking the care they couldn’t find elsewhere. Why?

• Because she listens—without judgement or dismissal
• Because she uses the latest treatments with expert precision
• Because she validates the emotional and physical toll of LS
• Because she restores dignity and hope—especially when others haven’t

Dr. Lakhani doesn’t just want to suppress symptoms. She wants you to feel well again, in every sense of the word.

Your Next Step Starts with a Conversation

There’s no pressure to commit to treatment right away. Your first step can simply be a free, no-obligation 15-minute chat with our trained patient coordinator. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer questions, and guide you toward the support you deserve.

Whether you’ve had a formal diagnosis or just suspect something isn’t right, don’t wait. Internal Lichen Sclerosus can be managed—and in many cases, significantly improved—once the right approach is taken.

Explore Further Resources

• Private Lichen Sclerosus Treatment
• How I Cured My Lichen Sclerosus (Real Patient Story)
• The O Shot for Intimate Rejuvenation
• Morpheus8V for Vaginal Wellness
• About Dr. Shirin Lakhani

Final Thoughts

Lichen Sclerosus—especially when it affects the internal vulva—can feel overwhelming. But with the right support, diagnosis, and treatment, there is hope. Dr. Shirin Lakhani’s compassionate approach combines advanced medical care with true listening and personalised solutions.

You don’t have to live in pain. You don’t have to feel alone. And you don’t have to accept that “this is just the way it is.”

Help is here—confidential, expert, and entirely focused on you.