Everyone suffers from different symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus. Some are affected by one or a variety of common symptoms, such as itching and burning. While others, who have gone untreated, can develop severe symptoms such as fusing or vulval cancer. Consequently, these symptoms are what the doctors look for and treat. Unfortunately, most of us will suffer harder from secondary symptoms. The mental health issues that develop because of a Lichen Sclerosus diagnosis. They are many and can run deep. The scariest part is we may not even realize we are suffering or need help.
Common Symptoms:
- Itching (mostly at night)
- Burning and soreness
- White ashy skin or patches
- Fissures, ulcers, nonhealing legions, and blood blisters
- Excessive sweating between your legs
- Misshapen vulva
- Chronic urinary tract or yeast infections
Severe Symptoms:
- The fusing of the labia
- The fusing of the clitoral hood
- Valvular scarring
Secondary Symptoms:
- Depression
- Isolation
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Loss of sleep
- Loss of relationships
- Pain during sex, urinating, or having a bowel movement
- Valvular cancer
All the symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus are bad but mental health issues can cause the most harm. Most of us suffer alone. So we cycle in and out of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, not realizing we need help. This is why we need to start speaking to each other. There should be a place where we can connect. A place where we can recognize if our sisters need help.
Let’s build that place. A network of support where we can text or talk to each other. I want to help, but I need your help to make it happen. Email or call me if you need someone to talk to or want to help build a support group for our community. I look forward to speaking with you and building something amazing!
Sources:
https://www.nwhn.org/kind-disorder-lichen-sclerosus-rare-can-become-cancerous/
