Changes in hormonal levels often cause a variety of problems in women of delicate age. The period of menopause and postmenopause is accompanied by changes in the physical and emotional state, lifestyle and quality of life. One of the most serious problems for women of this age is the development of lichen sclerosus – an extremely unpleasant pathology, a serious complication of which is the development of a malignant process. Today, in our material, read about effective methods of treating lichen sclerosus, which will help defeat the disease and prevent the development of its complications.
Effective treatments for lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus – is a chronic skin disease most commonly affecting the genital area in postmenopausal women. Its characteristic feature is the appearance of pathological foci on the skin, accompanied by itching, cracks and bleeding, and healing with scar formation.
Among the complications of lichen sclerosus, sexual disorders and the development of squamous cell skin cancer deserve special attention.
That is why it is so important to detect pathology as early as possible and prescribe the most effective treatment regimen for lichen sclerosus. What drugs will help defeat the disease – read this article.
Treatment of lichen sclerosus:
- diagnosis of lichen sclerosus: effective methods;
- best treatments for lichen sclerosus;
- prognosis after treatment of lichen sclerosus.
Read also: Lichen sclerosus: a serious problem for women of delicate age
Diagnosis of lichen sclerosus: effective methods
It is possible to suspect lichen sclerosus in a patient based on the results of the examination: the clinical picture of the disease is very characteristic. However, for maximum certainty, a biopsy of the affected area is recommended. A biopsy is absolutely indicated in such cases:
- if a malignant process is suspected;
- in the absence of the effect of the use of strong topical hormonal drugs;
- in the presence of lesions characteristic of lichen sclerosus, not in the genital area.
It is important to note that the use of hormonal agents can change the microscopic picture of the disease, which is why it is recommended to conduct a biopsy before taking them.
Best treatments for lichen sclerosus
It is worth noting that intensive treatment of lichen sclerosus is prescribed if the genital area is affected, which is directly related to the risk of developing oncological pathology in this area. If pathological foci of another localization occur, the patient may be recommended ultraviolet irradiation, which contributes to their disappearance. For the treatment of lichen sclerosus in the genital area, highly active hormonal ointments are used. Such funds with glucocorticoids must be applied to the affected areas 2 times a day for one month, and then once a day for another 3 months. In addition, for the treatment of lichen sclerosus, the following are used:
- retinoids – with hyperkeratosis of the skin or the appearance of cicatricial changes;
- topical calcineurin inhibitors;
- sedative drugs that eliminate severe itching, especially disturbing patients at night.
Prognosis after treatment of lichen sclerosus
The prognosis after treatment of lichen sclerosus is most favorable for patients under the age of 50 years: remission occurs in
72% of these women. At the age of 50-70 years, the percentage of remission decreases to
23%, and after 70 years the disease, unfortunately, does not go into remission at all. In this case, the treatment of pathology is aimed solely at eliminating the symptoms, preventing the occurrence of complications and improving the quality of life of the patient.
A terrible complication of the disease - squamous cell skin cancer occurs in 9.6% of patients with recurrence of lichen sclerosus. That is why timely diagnosis and the appointment of the most effective treatment regimen for lichen sclerosus play a crucial role in the prevention of the malignant process.
See also: "Vulvar lichen sclerosus: diagnosis and treatment"
Share:
Add a comment