Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus is an inflammatory condition of the vulva which may also affect areas other than the genitals. It manifests in itching and sometimes burning and is mostly visible as ivory white plaques of thickened or thinned skin which is also described as “cigarette paper”.  Fissures, erosions, scarring and architectural changes in the genital area are common. This often brings a lot of discomfort and affects intimacy.

The symptoms of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, most commonly start at about 40 to 50 years of age.

Lichen Sclerosus may be treated with ultra-high potency steroid creams such as clobetasol, or halobetasol. However, such steroids have the potential to cause some significant health risks such as thinning of the skin and therefore are generally not recommended for use over a prolonged period. For instance, clobetasol is only indicated for  two consecutive weeks of use. Since lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition and frequently may reappear after initial treatment, a successful regimen often requires a long-term treatment approach.

Neogyn® & Lichen Sclerosus:

In such an approach, the steroid-free NEOGYN® Vulvar Soothing Cream can be used in combination with other medications for the long-term treatment of lichen sclerosus. The benefits of Neogyn were demonstrated in a clinical study of 30 patients with lichen sclerosus that was conducted by the internationally recognized vulvar disease specialist Dr. Andrew Goldstein from The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington DC and New York.  Itching, burning and pain were significantly reduced after using the Neogyn cream twice daily for three months.

Dr. Goldstein presented the results of the study in September, 2011 at The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), “XXI World Congress” held in Paris, France.
The presentation can be viewed here.*

*WARNING:  The presentation contains photographs of the study participants with vulvar lichen sclerosus.

The Vulva

Instructions:

Wash hands and apply approximately a pea size amount (1 ml) of Neogyn twice daily for at least 6 to 8 weeks with your fingertips to the affected area of your genitals or follow the recommendations of your physician. If extra-genital areas are affected, apply more cream to those areas. Your doctor might have indicated the locations of those areas to you. 

Carefully rub in cream until it has completely absorbed. This may take up to a minute.

You may gently wash (e.g. having a bath or a shower) the areas of treatment shortly before the application but should allow the skin to dry before application.

In case you use medications for the treatment of lichen sclerosus such as steroid creams; you should not apply Neogyn the same days you use the medication, but on alternate days when you do not use the medication and once you stopped using the medication; following the instructions provided by your doctor.

Neogyn Vulvar Soothing Cream is a cosmetic product and not a medication. It is suggested as part of a skincare approach along with medications for lichen sclerosus. Neogyn Vulvar Soothing Cream can be used in between treatment sessions with steroids, or at the same period when using steroids or other medications for lichen sclerosus.

Since lichen sclerosus is associated with an increased vulvar cancer risk, regular visits to a doctor are needed.