This is not a site designed to diagnose your specific health conditions- it is INFORMATIONAL ONLY
Patient Hub
Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus is a serious disorder and early medical treatment can help to significantly reduce severity of symptoms.
You are not alone.
These symptoms can create psychological and emotional distress, please connect to one of our supports and get in as soon as you can.
Common Symptoms
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please reach out to an informed professional. You may connect to one through our support page, using directories on websites such as the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) and International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD).
​
Also called pruritus, vulvar and vaginal itching is one of the most common symptoms of VLS (Krapf et al., 2020).
**Learn about extragenital (outside of your vulvar/vaginal area) skin flares.
​
How It Affects Daily LifeFor many women with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS), the constant, intense itching can be so overwhelming that some have expressed a willingness to give up years of their lives just to escape it (Krapf et al., 2020).This itching doesn’t just cause physical discomfort—it disrupts everyday activities, including sleep, work, and social interactions, significantly lowering quality of life.
Comparable to Other Chronic ConditionsThe emotional and mental strain caused by persistent itching in VLS is as severe as the toll from chronic pain or migraines.Research by Wilson et al. (2018) highlights how this symptom is not just a minor annoyance but a significant source of distress, emphasizing the need for effective treatments.
Why Managing Itching is EssentialGiven its impact, treating itching is a top priority for managing VLS. Experts recommend a combination of treatments, including steroid creams, antihistamines, and even therapy options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help patients manage both the physical and emotional burden of itching (Krapf et al., 2020).This is one of the "hallmark" symptoms according to Dr. Gutiérrez Ontalvilla (2022).
Dyspareunia (pain during sex or contact with the vulvar area) can be caused from structural changes and inflammation caused from VLS (Burrows et al., 2011; Günthert et al., 2012).Depending on affected skin of the vulva/vaginal area, pain may be on the clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, perineum and anus (see diagram for visual).​
"Chronic pain during intimacy often reshapes a woman's sense of self and her relationships, creating a cycle of avoidance and emotional distress." – McCracken et al., 2014
Burning Sensations
A burning or stinging sensation, often caused by irritation of sensitive tissues, is another common symptom of vulvar lichen sclerosus, as confirmed by the Clinical Scoring System used by doctors (Günthert et al., 2012).
​
Additionally, burning sensations may worsen during flare-ups or when VLS is left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early and consistent management to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Treatments like clobetasol steroid ointment, which remains the gold standard for managing VLS, and soothing topical agents have been noted to help mitigate these symptoms (Krapf et al., 2020; Günthert et al., 2012).
Pain in the vulva, including discomfort caused by small cracks in the skin (fissures) or open sores (ulcerations), is a common issue for people with moderate to severe vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) (Günthert et al., 2012).
This type of pain can range from a mild ache to severe discomfort that makes everyday activities—like walking, sitting, or using the restroom—difficult.
For many individuals, this pain is often the reason they seek medical care. Studies show that patients frequently report vulvar pain as a major barrier to their quality of life and a key motivation for pursuing diagnosis and treatment (Bradford & Fischer, 2010).
Whitish patches on the skin, thinning of tissue, and loss of elasticity/plumpness are key signs of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS).
In more advanced cases, doctors use tools like dermoscopy—a technique to closely examine the skin—to spot additional features. These include thickened white patches (known as plaques) and areas where the skin has lost its natural color.
Research by Borghi et al. (2016) has shown that these signs are helpful in diagnosing VLS, even when symptoms are more subtle.
Chronic, untreated vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) can cause significant changes to the vulvar area, including the fusion of the labia (the folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening), the sticking together of the clitoral hood, and the narrowing of the vaginal opening (known as the vaginal introitus).
These structural changes happen over time as the condition progresses and scarring develops (Bradford & Fischer, 2010; Günthert et al., 2012).
(See Diagram Visual)​
Such changes not only affect the appearance of the vulva but also have a major impact on a person’s sexual and physical health. For example, the narrowing of the vaginal opening can make sexual intercourse, gynecological exams, or even daily activities like using tampons or wearing certain clothing uncomfortable or impossible.
Clitoral hood adhesion may also reduce or block sensitivity in the area, further impairing sexual functioning (Günthert et al., 2012).
If left untreated, these changes can become permanent, as the scarring and tissue damage caused by VLS are often irreversible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these complications. Treatments like topical steroids, which help reduce inflammation and prevent scarring, are considered the standard of care for managing VLS and protecting long-term vulvar health (Bradford & Fischer, 2010; Günthert et al., 2012).
