Lichen sclerosus is a condition that causes patchy, discolored, thin skin. It usually affects the genital and anal areas. Anyone can get lichen sclerosus but postmenopausal women are at higher risk. It isn't contagious and can't be spread through sexual contact.
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition that has no cure. The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, but it may be related to an overactive immune system, genetic factors, or previous skin damage or irritation. Lichen sclerosus can also increase the risk of skin cancer in the affected areas.
Lichen sclerosus can cause various symptoms, such as itching, burning, pain, bleeding, blisters, sores, scarring, or narrowing of the openings of the vagina or urethra. However, some people may have no symptoms at all and are diagnosed incidentally during a pelvic exam or a biopsy.
The treatment of lichen sclerosus depends on the severity of the symptoms and the location on the body. The main goals of treatment are to relieve the itching and burning, improve the appearance of the skin, and prevent scarring and complications. The most common treatment is a topical steroid cream or ointment that is applied to the affected skin once or twice a day for several weeks or months. This treatment helps to reduce inflammation and restore normal skin color and texture. Other treatments that may be used in some cases include topical calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus), ultraviolet light therapy, oral retinoids (such as acitretin), or surgery to remove scarred tissue or widen narrowed openings.
There are some celebrities who have been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus or have publicly shared their experience with the condition. Here are five examples:
- Emmylou Harris. Emmylou is a singer-songwriter and musician from the United States who has won 14 Grammy Awards and is known for her work in country, folk, and Americana music. She has collaborated with artists such as Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Neil Young. She was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus in 2004 and has spoken openly about her condition and how it affected her self-esteem and sexuality. She has also advocated for more awareness and research on lichen sclerosus.
- Jill Saward. Jill was an activist and campaigner from England who was known for her work on sexual violence and rape law reform. She was a survivor of a brutal gang rape in 1986 that became known as the Ealing Vicarage Rape. She was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus in 2012 and underwent surgery to treat her condition. She died in 2017 from a stroke at the age of 51.
- Katie Piper. Katie is a model, author, and television presenter from England who is known for her charity work and her recovery from an acid attack in 2008 that left her with severe facial burns and blindness in one eye. She was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus in 2015 after experiencing painful symptoms in her genital area. She has shared her story and raised awareness about lichen sclerosus on social media and in her books.
- Samantha Renke. Samantha is an actress, disability rights activist, and columnist from England who is known for her roles in films such as Little Devil (2014) and The Silent Child (2017). She has brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta) and uses a wheelchair. She was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus in 2018 after suffering from severe itching and bleeding in her vulva. She has spoken candidly about her condition and how it affects her intimacy and mental health.
- Tara Langdale-Schmidt. Tara is an entrepreneur and inventor from the United States who is known for creating VuVatech, a company that sells vaginal dilators for women with pelvic pain conditions such as vulvodynia, vaginismus, lichen sclerosus, endometriosis, and interstitial cystitis. She was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus in 2014 after experiencing painful sex and skin changes in her vulva. She has used vaginal dilators to treat her condition and has helped thousands of women with similar problems.
These are just some of the celebrities who have lichen sclerosus or have spoken about it publicly. There may be others who have not disclosed their diagnosis or are not aware of it. Lichen sclerosus is a rare but distressing condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or occupation. It is important to raise awareness and educate people about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of lichen sclerosus, as well as to support research and advocacy for better outcomes and quality of life for patients and their families.
by Diseasemaps