One of the primary reasons that we always suggest that you be seen by your gynecologist or doctor if you are having any unusual symptoms is because your symptoms may overlap with multiple conditions. For example, vaginal itching irritation, burning, and even lesions or sores can be common symptoms of very different disorders requiring different treatments. One guess as to the cause of such symptoms is a yeast infection. Many women attempt to self-treat with over the counter medication for yeast infections and many times this is not the culprit. In fact, The National Women’s Health Information Center  states that two-thirds of women who buy over the counter yeast infection medications don’t really have a yeast infection. Other women having such symptoms may be frightened that they have genital herpes especially if they see vaginal lesions. There is another possibility as to the cause of all of these symptoms and that is a vulvar skin condition. In this post we are going to talk about genital skin conditions called Lichen Planus and Lichen Sclerosus.

What is Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is a dermatological condition which can affect the vulva, vagina, and anus. Women are most likely to have this condition but it can also affect male genitalia as well. This skin condition can also develop on other areas of the body such as the inside of the mouth, the wrist, the ankles, and the lower back.  Lichen planus is considered to be a chronic auto-immune skin disorder with periods of flare-ups and remission. One important thing to know about Lichen planus is that it is not contagious and you cannot give it or receive it from anyone. This skin condition develops most commonly in middle aged women who are nearing menopause or who are post-menopausal. According to Harvard Health Newsletter  there are some medications which can trigger Lichen planus symptoms. Some of these medications include: diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, certain antibiotics, or antimalarial drugs. If you suspect that you have this condition you should tell your doctor about all the current medications you are taking.

What are the symptoms of Vulvar Lichen Planus?

According to the National Institutes of Health and Harvard Medical School  the following are possible symptoms of lichen planus:

• Bumps and patches on the skin that itch.

• Soreness, burning, and tenderness

• Blisters and open sores can develop making sexual intercourse painful or impossible. They can also make urination painful.

• The vulva can appear pale or have a white lacy pattern.

• Lichen planus can cause a yellowish discharge.

• The vaginal skin may be fragile and thin which sometimes causes cracking and bleeding.

• If left untreated this skin condition can erode the vaginal skin tissues, especially the labia minora.

It is not difficult to understand how some women may mistake these symptoms for either some sort of an infection (itching, burning, and soreness) or even genital herpes (the presence of painful lesions).