treatment Archives

Lichen Sclerosus Research Is Changing: New Treatments & What I Learned at ISSVD 2026

25

Aug

Jaclyn Video, Videos

Lichen Sclerosus Research Is Changing: New Treatments & What I Learned at ISSVD 2026

Introduction If you’re not familiar with ISSVD, it’s the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, and this Congress brings together some of the clinicians and researchers working at the forefront of vulvar and vaginal health. And there was so much presented at ISSVD 2026 that I wanted to bring some of it back to you—but without making you sit through hours of scientific presentations or decipher research jargon. So in this video, I’m breaking down some of the research and conversations that stood out to me most as a patient advocate, in normal-person language, and focusing on what I think actually matters to patients. Some Important Notes Before We Dive In And yes, before we get started: this is a long one! If you've followed my work for any length of time, you probably know how passionate I am about vulvar-health research. After spending several days surrounded by…

Extragenital and Perianal Lichen Sclerosus

22

Jun

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Blogs, Jaclyn Blog

Extragenital and Perianal Lichen Sclerosus

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 penis. But what happens when LS appears elsewhere on the body? What if symptoms develop around the anus? And why do some forms of LS carry cancer risk while others apparently do not? These are questions many patients ask, yet information about extragenital and perianal lichen sclerosus remains surprisingly difficult to find. This blog is based on a presentation by vulvar dermatologist Dr. Audrey Rutherford delivered during the 2026 Lichen Sclerosus Support Network Holistic Healing Summit. Throughout her presentation, Dr. Rutherford explored how extragenital LS differs from genital LS, how perianal LS fits into the…

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, Autoimmune Conditions, & Comorbidities

17

Mar

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Blogs, Jaclyn Blog

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, Autoimmune Conditions, & Comorbidities

Introduction When you receive a diagnosis of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS), the first wave of emotion is often relief. You finally have a name for what you have been experiencing. But very quickly, a second wave can follow. You start reading and see the words 'autoimmune' and 'cancer risk'. And then you see long lists of “associated conditions.” Panic sets in; as does fear, worry, anger, and more. It can feel like the diagnosis is growing beyond the vulva, and it can be downright terrifying (especially if you have health anxiety, as I (Jaclyn) do). Let’s slow this down. This post is about clarity. It’s about context. And most importantly, it’s about empowerment, not fear. We’re grounding this in peer-reviewed research, including the 2020 review by Krapf et al., De Luca et al. (2023), Tasker et al. (2020), etc., and translating it into something that actually helps you in a…

Targeted Therapies for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

12

Feb

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Blogs, Jaclyn Blog

Targeted Therapies for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

If you’ve spent time in patient communities lately, you’ve probably noticed more conversations about newer treatments, especially biologics and other targeted therapies. Many people are asking whether options exist beyond steroids, whether these newer medications might work better, and whether they could eventually offer safer or more personalized approaches for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). These are thoughtful and important questions. As targeted treatments become available for other inflammatory diseases, it is natural for people living with VLS to wonder whether similar advances might apply here. To understand where things stand, it helps to explore what targeted therapies are, how they work, and how they compare to our current standard of care. Disclaimers *This post comes from a review of evidence-based literature on vulvar lichen sclerosus. Importantly, it is Jaclyn’s interpretation of the literature and its findings. It is up to date as of February 2026. **If this post is helpful…

Free Masterclass on Vulvar LS with Dr. Jill Krapf

15

Jan

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Free Masterclass on Vulvar LS with Dr. Jill Krapf

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 occasion, we’re starting 2026 with something deeply needed: open, evidence-based, and empowering education about vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). We’re hosting a free live screening of a Masterclass on Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, led by Dr. Jill Krapf, one of the field’s leading experts, followed by a live Q&A. Register here. This event is free because everyone deserves access to high-quality medical education. VLS already creates enough barriers, and cost should not be one of them. Register or donate here. Replays are only available to registered users! Why a Masterclass with Dr. Jill Krapf? Dr. Krapf is…

How to Sleep Better with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Nighttime Relief Guide

23

Sep

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

How to Sleep Better with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Nighttime Relief Guide

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 challenging for many people with VLS and share practical tips and tricks to help you get more restful, healing sleep. Think of this as your gentle nighttime guide: part science, part soothing ritual, and part reminder that you deserve comfort and rest. Disclaimers *This post is evidence-based; I draw on the medical literature to share what you need to know about vulvar lichen sclerosus and sleep. Importantly, what I share is my interpretation of the science and data. **The information contained in this blog post is up-to-date at the time of publication. ***If this post…