Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a skin disorder that causes itching and scarring around anus and genitalia. The incidence of lichen sclerosus is 6 times more common in women, with genital involvement comprising the majority of those cases. Male genital lichen sclerosus is seen almost exclusively in uncircumcised or partially circumcised individuals. Finally, 15% of cases occur in children, with the majority being female. Medical treatment involves long-term topical corticosteroid use. Naturopathic treatment seeks to balance the hormones and immune system through the use of:
- Botanical medicine
- Diet counselling
- Hormone regulation with either botanical medicine or bioidentical hormones
- Hydrotherapy
- Lifestyle counselling
- Low-level laser therapy
- Nutraceuticals
Symptomatic relief is also addressed through physical therapy and hydrotherapy. The duration of treatment is 6-9 months, with the expectation of reducing and, in some cases, reversing symptoms.