Every modern woman is very concerned about her appearance and the condition of her skin. When any, even the smallest aesthetic flaws appear on it, women often try to immediately take the necessary measures. But while aesthetic problems are easy enough to fix, skin conditions often require a much more serious approach. Lichen sclerosus is one of these diseases, which significantly impairs the physical condition and quality of life of the patient. In today's article, read about what unpleasant symptoms this pathology manifests itself, and how it can be dangerous.
Lichen sclerosus: symptoms and complications of the disease
Lichen sclerosus – this is a chronic skin disease, which is characterized by the appearance of pathological foci on it, accompanied by itching, bleeding and cracks, followed by the formation of cicatricial changes.
Most often, lichen sclerosus affects the skin of the genitals and perianal area, which makes the problem especially delicate and serious for patients.
Somewhat less often, pathological lesions appear on the chest, upper body and arms. Suffer from lichen sclerosus, mainly women of delicate age who are in the postmenopausal period. According to statistics, every 60th woman in the population develops the disease, while men and children develop lichen sclerosus extremely rarely.
Lichen sclerosus:
- causes and risk factors for the development of lichen sclerosus;
- clinical picture of lichen sclerosus: main symptoms;
- how dangerous is lichen sclerosus: possible complications.
Causes and risk factors for the development of lichen sclerosus
The unequivocal cause of the development of lichen sclerosus is currently unknown. Scientists suggest that there is a genetic dependence on the development of pathology. In addition, autoimmune antibodies to extracellular proteins of the skin were determined in some patients, but it is not known whether they are really the cause of the disease, or just a result of it. There are also the following risk factors for the development of lichen sclerosus:
- impaired function of the body's immune system;
- hormonal disorders (pathologies of the adrenal glands, ovaries);
- cases of pathology in close relatives;
- presence of old scars and scars on the skin.
Clinical picture of lichen sclerosus: main symptoms
The very first symptom of lichen sclerosus is the appearance on the skin of small white spots, which, as a rule, have a shiny smooth surface. Gradually, the foci increase in size, and the skin on them becomes thinner and wrinkled. It is very easily damaged, resulting in bruising. The healing of lesions is often accompanied by the development of cicatricial changes. Other symptoms of lichen sclerosus are:
- ; sensation of discomfort and soreness, as well as cracks and bleeding in the affected areas of the skin;
- formation of bubbles on the surface of lesions;
- Urinary problems, pain and bleeding during defecation.
What is the danger of lichen sclerosus: possible complications
The greatest danger of lichen sclerosus lies in the fact that the affected areas of the skin are often subject to the concomitant occurrence of a malignant pathological process. The likelihood of developing squamous cell skin cancer in such patients is 5% higher than in the average population. A less dangerous, but extremely unpleasant complication of lichen sclerosus is the occurrence of psychological problems and disorders of the sexual life of patients. Sexual intercourse can be significantly difficult, not only because of itching and soreness, but also due to scarring & nbsp; narrowing of the vagina.
Lichen sclerosus – this is a very serious disease, which greatly affects both the physical and psychological state of the patient.
That is why it is so important to diagnose and prescribe effective treatment for this pathological process in a timely manner.
See also:
"Vulvar lichen sclerosus: diagnosis and treatment"
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