Understanding Lichen Sclerosus Management: Lifestyle, Diet and Stress Relief Tips

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic skin disorder that predominantly affects the genital and anal areas, leading to painful and irritating symptoms like intense itching, white patches and potential skin changes like thinning or thickening. The condition can affect men and women but is almost twice as common in women, particularly those who are postmenopausal. Early diagnosis is crucial for symptom relief and preventing severe complications such as scarring or lesion formation.

Understanding and managing lichen sclerosus involves a proactive approach to treatment and making necessary lifestyle adjustments that influence symptoms. With no known cure, ongoing symptom management through treatments like topical steroids or TULIP® and lifestyle adjustments is essential. LS can have many detrimental effects on the quality of life due to the discomfort and self-conscious feelings the condition can cause.

Medical Management of Lichen Sclerosus

Medical management of lichen sclerosus most often involves topical steroid creams like clobetasol and other prescription medications to reduce inflammation in the area. With LS, the body directly attacks the skin in the affected areas. Steroidal agents work by lowering the inflammatory cytokines in the skin or body as a whole. This can help to relieve pain and itching, soften the skin and decrease the risk of scar formation. While effective, long-term use of steroidal creams can come along with risks, and the condition does tend to return not long after you stop using the cream.

Because LS can lead to permanent scarring that can have concerning effects on sexual and general health, regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are critical. Close monitoring also allows intervention if a treatment is not working or causing undesirable side effects. For example, if topical steroids cause side effects or are no longer effective, something like the minimally invasive TULIP® procedure may be recommended for tissue regeneration.

Lifestyle Modifications for Better LS Management

Making thoughtful lifestyle adjustments can significantly alleviate symptoms of lichen sclerosus, as they can be effective for both enhancing comfort and reducing flare-ups:

• Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing to minimize friction.
• Avoid bathing too frequently to prevent skin dryness.
• Use mild, unscented soaps to gently wash the affected area daily, then pat dry.
• Use soft, undyed and unscented toilet paper to reduce irritation during use.
• Stay away from scented personal care products and detergents that could irritate the skin.

Dietary Tips for Skin Health

In many ways, the health of your skin is a direct reflection of the nutrients you supply it with. Therefore, following a balanced diet with valuable nutrients to support skin health can be essential to managing lichen sclerosus. Be sure you are consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins like A, C, D and E. By contrast, avoiding high sugar intake and moderating how much low-nutrient-dense food you are eating can also help.

Stress Management Techniques

While LS can have many underlying factors, stress can be one of them to acknowledge. Stress impacts overall health and may influence the severity of lichen sclerosus. Research from 2019 in the Open Access Journal of Urology suggests that oxidative stress contributes to LS by damaging DNA and lipids, potentially leading to skin lesions. Additionally, chronic stress elevates cortisol, which increases inflammation, possibly exacerbating LS symptoms.

To work toward reducing stress, things like mindfulness, yoga, getting enough sleep and regular physical activity can help. In some cases, seeking therapy to build stress-coping strategies may be warranted.

Daily Care and Home Remedies

One of the most important things you can do at home if you have LS is to be attentive to keeping the skin clean and moisturized while avoiding scratching as much as possible. You can:

• Apply hypoallergenic moisturizers like Vaseline, Aquaphor or olive or coconut oil to the skin to lock in moisture and protect the area.
• Take soothing oatmeal baths in the morning and night at a comfortable temperature.
• Take an oral antihistamine at bedtime to manage itching and help you sleep if needed.

Taking the Next Step: Professional Care at the Coyle Institute

With lichen sclerosus, having a good care team on your side can be exceptionally important. At Coyle Institute, we build personalized treatment plans and use revolutionary LS treatments like the TULIP® procedure developed by Dr. Michael Coyle to support your quality of life and encourage healing. Contact the Coyle Institute at 850-637-8258 to schedule a consultation and take back your life.