The Lichen Sclerosus Blog
Are you tired of finding conflicting information on the internet about Lichen Sclerosus? You’re in the right place if you’re looking for quality, educational, evidence-based information!
The Lichen Sclerosus Blog posts every Tuesday on topics like treatments, sexual health, mental health, and more!
Subscribe to our blog to receive email notifications when we post a new blog.
Blogs, Jaclyn Blog
Introduction Hello, hello, happy August! I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. Last month, I (Jaclyn) had the privilege and honor of attending the 2026 International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) World Congress in Halifax, Canada. For those unfamiliar with the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease…
Kathy Blog
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Community survey insights When vulvar skin feels dry, irritated, or painfully fragile, finding something that brings comfort can make a huge difference in your day. If you spend any time in a lichen sclerosus support group, one question comes up again and again: “What’s the best emollient?” It’s understandable. When…
Blogs, Jaclyn Blog
A comprehensive overview of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, skin care, cancer risk, and daily management strategies based on a presentation by Dr. Audrey Rutherford. This article will specifically address Extragenital and Perianal Lichen Sclerosus and provide helpful information. Introduction to Extragenital and Perianal Lichen Sclerosus Most conversations about lichen sclerosus (LS) focus on the vulva and/or…
Blogs, Jaclyn Blog
Unravel the connection between vulvar lichen sclerosus and autoimmunity. Find context and clarity in your diagnosis.
Blogs, Jaclyn Blog
Discover how targeted therapies work for vulvar lichen sclerosus and whether they offer better outcomes than standard treatments.
Jaclyn Blog
Introduction Happy New Year to all of our beautiful LS warriors! We wish you a year filled with answers, healing, and empowerment. January 17 is almost here, and you know what that means: Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Awareness Day. This global day highlights the condition and works to break the stigma around it. To mark the…
Jaclyn Blog
As another year comes to a close, we want to pause, reflect, and, most importantly, say thank you. To everyone who read our blog posts at 2 a.m. during a flare. To those who shared our resources with a newly diagnosed friend. To those who trusted us with their stories, questions, fears, and hopes. You…
Jaclyn Blog
Learn when to see a specialist for vulvar lichen sclerosus care and how to maximize your health journey with your GP.
Jaclyn Blog
Introduction Living with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) can be tough enough during the day—but when symptoms keep you from sleeping at night, it can feel especially overwhelming. You’re not alone if you’ve ever tossed and turned, woken up scratching, or dreaded bedtime because of discomfort. In this post, we’ll explore why nighttime can feel more…
Kathy Blog
Imagine spending years being told your symptoms are nothing, only to discover you have a chronic condition that can feel confusing and isolating. This is a reality for countless people living with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and lichen planus. But what happens when patients decide to stop accepting a dismissal and start advocating for themselves?…
Jaclyn Blog
Introduction When we talk about vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS), one of the most common phrases you’ll hear is “white patches.” That’s because, in much of the medical literature, hypopigmentation—or loss of skin color—is described as a hallmark clinical sign of the condition. But is it possible to have VLS without any white areas? If you’ve…
Jaclyn Blog
Click here to read Jaclyn’s journey from pain and inactivity to reclaiming movement and joy once more with vulvar lichen sclerosus.
Jaclyn Blog
Have you been recently diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus? Read this post for information, support, and most importantly, hope.
Blogs, Kathy Blog
Our Unforgettable Advocacy Trip to Capitol Hill! Hey, incredible LS Warriors! Get ready to cheer because something HUGE just happened for our community! This past week, I had the honor of representing YOU and the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN) on a powerful advocacy trip to Washington D.C. – affectionately known as “Hill Day”! It…
Jaclyn Blog
Want to know how to know if your vulvar lichen sclerosus is flaring or you have a yeast infection? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Introduction We are growing, baby! And, as part of that growth, we are starting to attend medical conferences. This year, we kicked off 2025 by attending the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) conference in Orlando, Florida. We sent Executive Director, Kathy, and Chief Research and Provider Relations Officer, Jaclyn, to the 2025 AAD. We were…
Jaclyn Blog
Is vulvar lichen sclerosus rare? Click more on this important opinion piece blog for more information today!
Jaclyn Blog
Vulvar biopsies are sometimes required for a LS diagnosis. Click to learn more tips and tricks to manage pain and fear around biopsies.
Jaclyn Blog
Introduction Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic condition that affects many individuals, yet it remains under-discussed and often misunderstood. This blog post aims to provide clarity on VLS symptoms, including how they present, what might trigger flares, and why symptoms vary from person to person. Understanding these aspects is crucial for better self-management and…
Jaclyn Blog
Introduction When grappling with the complexities of skin conditions, many may ask, “Does lichen sclerosus spread?” Understanding the nature of this condition is crucial for those affected, as it can impact both treatment decisions and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind lichen sclerosus, including its potential to affect both…
Jaclyn Blog
Does Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Have a Cure? Click here to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Can Supplements Improve Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Symptoms? What does the science say? Click to read the post and learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Having surgery for vulvar lichen sclerosus or another genitopelvic condition? Be sure to read this post for advice first!
Jaclyn Blog
Dating with vulvar lichen sclerosus can be scary and daunting. In this post, we share some tips and tricks for dating with VLS.
Jaclyn Blog
Nervous about telling others about lichen sclerosus? Click here for tips and guidance on having these hard conversations.
Jaclyn Blog
Is there a genetic component to vulvar lichen sclerosus? Does it run in families? What should you know? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Click this post to learn more about vulvar lichen sclerosus and herpes, including misdiagnoses and managing both conditions.
Jaclyn Blog
Do You Need Vaginal Dilators for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus? Great question! We address this and more in our latest blog post. Click to read.
Jaclyn Blog, Uncategorized
What’s the connection between vulvar lichen sclerosus and vulvar cancer? Are there preventative measures you can take? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Does vulvar lichen sclerosus smell? Can it cause changes in vaginal odor? Click this link to learn more on this topic.
Jaclyn Blog
What’s the deal with labial fusing and vulvar lichen sclerosus? Can you prevent it? Can you treat it? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Clobetasol isn’t working for vulvar lichen sclerosus? We got you. Click to learn more about your options to help manage your VLS.
Jaclyn Blog
What’s the deal with oxidative stress and vulvar lichen sclerosus? Spoiler alert, it plays an important role. Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Does birth control cause vulvar lichen sclerosus or make it worse? Click here to learn more about this important topic.
Jaclyn Blog
“I Can’t Feel My Clitoris, Help! “If you experience decreased clitoral sensation from lichen sclerosus, read this post to learn your options.
Jaclyn Blog
Does stress cause vulvar lichen sclerosus? How can you manage stress with VLS? Read our latest blog post to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Vulvar fissures from vulvar lichen sclerosus can be painful. Click here to learn more about why these happen and how to manage them.
Jaclyn Blog
In this post, Jaclyn shares her long-term struggle with vulvar lichen sclerosus and fissures. Click here to read her journey.
Jaclyn Blog
What do you need to know about pregnancy and vulvar lichen sclerosus? Click to learn more about the latest research.
Jaclyn Blog
We know vulvar lichen sclerosus affects the vulva, but does vulvar lichen sclerosus affect the bladder? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Can anti-fat bias contribute to delayed diagnosis for people with vulvar lichen sclerosus? Click here to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Does trauma cause LS? Click to learn more about what the science says, what we see in the community, and ways to process trauma.
Jaclyn Blog
Do you need a compounding pharmacy for lichen sclerosus? Click here to find out what you need to know with respect to pharmacies for LS.
Jaclyn Blog
Do you need to be on estrogen if you have lichen sclerosus? Can estrogen help LS symptoms? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
What are the differences between lichen sclerosus and bacterial vaginosis? Do you have to stop your LS treatment with BV? Click to learn more
Jaclyn Blog
Do steroids cause yeast infections? Click to learn more and how to manage yeast infections with lichen sclerosus.
Jaclyn Blog
Yeast infection or lichen sclerosus? Click here to learn more about yeast infections and why LS is commonly misdiagnosed as yeast infections.
Jaclyn Blog
Skin color can often change with LS and may vary based on your skin color. Click to learn more about lichen sclerosus and skin color changes.
Jaclyn Blog
Misdiagnoses are common in the vulvar health space. Learn about the differences between lichen sclerosus and vulvar psoriasis here.
Jaclyn Blog
Lichen sclerosus and borax is a controversial topic within the LS community. To learn about LSSN’s position on borax, click here.
Jaclyn Blog
Lichen sclerosus or vulvar dermatitis? Learn the differences between the two conditions and whether your LS care is causing dermatitis here.
Jaclyn Blog
Expiry dates and lichen sclerosus medication. Can you use your medication after it’s expired? Will it harm you? Click here to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Have you heard about phototherapy for lichen sclerosus before? If you are curious to know whether this is a good option for you, click here.
Jaclyn Blog
Have you ever wondered about non-ablative laser for lichen sclerosus? Is it an effective treatment? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Welcome to another year of vulvar lichen sclerosus content! Click to learn more about new VLS studies and what’s on the horizon this year.
Jaclyn Blog
What has LSSN been up to in 2023? Click to read our year in review, new research, and what’s to come for 2024.
Jaclyn Blog
Ever wondered about pregnancy and lichen sclerosus? Click to read Lisa’s lichen sclerosus pregnancy journey.
Jaclyn Blog
Have you debated trying laser therapy for lichen sclerosus? Want to learn more about if laser is right for you? Click to learn more.
Jaclyn Blog
Is platelet-rich plasma for lichen sclerosus is a good treatment option? Click to learn more about PRP and lichen sclerosus.
Jaclyn Blog
Clothing and lichen sclerosus can be complicated. Click hear to learn what clothing to avoid, what is LS friendly, and general clothing advice
Kathy Blog, Kathy Video
Here are 5 reasons you need to be at this year’s LSSN Mini Summit on vulvovaginal Conditions to take control if your vulvar health.
Jaclyn Blog
If you have lichen sclerosus you may be wondering what underwear is best for you? Click to learn more about underwear and LS options.
Jaclyn Blog
Learn more about the difference between treatment and adjunct therapy and how you can make the most of your treatment plan by clicking here.
Kathy Blog
Want to learn more about acceptance, resilience, and Lichen Sclerosus? Look no further! Click to join us on this round table discussion!
Jaclyn Blog
Are you wondering about the differences between lichen planus and lichen sclerosus? Curious if you can have both? Click to learn more.
Kathy Blog
Ever wonder how pelvic floor physical therapy can help your LS? You aren’t the only one. PFPT Ashley /stump breaks it down for us.
Jaclyn Blog
Not sure if your symptoms are from menopause or lichen sclerosus? Click here to learn more about this fundamental difference.
Jaclyn Blog
Lichen sclerosus can cause changes to the physical appearance of the vulva. Learn how Kintsugi can help heal your relationship to your vulva.
Kathy Blog
Ever wonder what lube you should try if you have Lichen Sclerosus? Click to read about types of lube and what to consider in picking one.
Jaclyn Blog
Do you have lichen sclerosus and are thinking of getting pregnant? Want to learn more about lichen sclerosus & pregnancy? Click here to read.
Kathy Blog
As a patient with a dermatology condition, we ask that you help create the largest database of patients. Join the GRIDD study today.
Jaclyn Blog
Uncertain if you have lichen simplex chronicus or lichen sclerosus? Can you have both? Click here to learn more.
Kathy Blog
Download LSSN’s LS Zine to read stories and poetry, see artwork, and hear interviews from lichen sclerosus patients around the world.
Jaclyn Blog
Click to reach this post on chronic pain and lichen sclerosus. Learn about the causes and what you can do to manage your pain.
Kathy Blog
Do you struggle with mental health and Lichen Sclerosus? Click here for 4 tips on how to give yourself grace with your struggles!
Jaclyn Blog
Do you experience pain from lichen sclerosus? Want to learn more about how pain can manifest and how to manage pain? Click to learn more.
Kathy Blog
Do you have Lichen Sclerosus and are struggling with your sex drive? Want to find out why? Come and find tips on how to get your drive back.
Jaclyn Blog
Do you think your child has pediatric lichen sclerosus? Are you looking for information to help support your child? Click to read more.
Kathy Blog
Curious about grooming when you have vulvar Lichen Sclerosus? We brought in an expert to answer your questions.
Jaclyn Blog
Did you know surgery may be an option for you if you have lichen sclerosus? Click here to read about surgery and lichen sclerosus.
Kathy Blog
Many people with Lichen Sclerosus worry that long-term use of topical steroids will thin their skin and cause damage. But there’s a lot to consider about this gold standard for treatment. In a recent interview, Dr. Jill Krapf helped clear up the confusion.
Jaclyn Blog
Did you know there’s a non-steroidal treatment for lichen sclerosus? Click here to learn more about calcineurin inhibitors for LS.
Kathy Blog
If you have LS and are looking for evidenced-based whole-body lichen sclerosus information, you need to be at the (W)holistic Healing Summit.
Jaclyn Blog
What are the side effects of steroids for LS? What should you do if you have a side effect? Click here to learn more.
Kathy Blog
Are you doing your vulva check? The first time can be scary, especially with lichen sclerosus. Read to get helpful resources.
Jaclyn Blog
Rarely do doctors give us all the information about steroids to treat lichen sclerosus. Click here to learn all about steroids for LS.
Kathy Blog
Were you given topical steroids as a treatment for your Lichen Sclerosus but not told how to use them properly? No worries we got you covered.
Jaclyn Blog
Clitoral phimosis can lead to pain and loss of sensation for folks with vulvar lichen sclerosus. Click to read more about clitoral health.
Kathy Blog
Suffering from clitoral fusing? Read how one LS patient reversed severe clitoral adhesions without surgery in less than eight weeks!
Jaclyn Blog
Click here to learn more about what architectural changes are for folks with lichen sclerosus and how you can prevent them from happening.
Kathy Blog
Suffering from constipation or urinary incontinence? Holly Horikawa, a pelvic physical therapist, reveals how to break the vicious cycle.
Jaclyn Blog
Pelvic and vulvar pain is political. Click here to read a guest post by Sabrina Sarro on the political aspects of living with vulvar pain.
Kathy Blog
Struggling with the emotional and mental health side of LS? Discover how to find the right lichen sclerosus support group you need to thrive.
Jaclyn Blog
Living with lichen sclerosus can be hard. Here are all the things I want doctors treating lichen sclerosus to know.
Kathy Blog
Having lichen sclerosus can feel like a lonely experience, but sharing our stories reminds us that we’re not alone. In this blog, members of the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network share their diagnosis stories.
Jaclyn Blog
Click here to read about this crucial yet often overlooked aspect of healing and lichen sclerosus – the power of being heard.
Kathy Blog
Feel like you and your doctor are never on the same page? Learn my three-stage process to becoming a better self advocate.
Kathy Blog
Don’t let appointment anxiety get in the way of advocating for yourself. Learn three easy steps to overcoming appointment anxiety!
Kathy Blog, Podcast
The post discusses the mental health impact of Lichen Sclerosus (LS) in recognition of World Mental Health Day. It includes findings from limited research and personal stories from individuals with LS, highlighting anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. The need for routine psychological counseling referrals for LS patients is emphasized, along with resources for support.
