Lichen sclerosus, also known as white spot disease, is an inflammatory skin condition that presents as small, discolored bumps that become blisters and sores, then transform into thin, scaly patches and scar tissue, most often on a woman’s vulva. Although less common, lichen sclerosis can also form on the penis, foreskin, urethra, and anus. This hard-to-diagnose condition is NOT an STD and is not contagious, yet its bothersome symptoms can impact lives physically and physiologically, causing many people on Hilton Head Island to seek lichen sclerosus treatment.

Knowing there is no cure for this chronic condition can be immensely frustrating. However, Symbios rejuvenation treatments using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stem cells offer treatment hope for Hilton Head Island sufferers of lichen sclerosis and many other conditions for which solutions were hopeless in the past. There’s been no better time to seek lichen sclerosis treatment near you.

Understanding Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus (LS) affects between one in 1,000 and one in 300 individuals in the general population, according to research; the exact prevalence is unknown. It’s estimated that the actual number of cases is much higher because LS can be asymptomatic for years, and its diagnosis is challenging, even after a biopsy. Unfortunately, LS often remains unrecognized for five to 15 years from the onset of symptoms or is never reported.

Men and women of all ages are diagnosed with LS, but it is found most often in 40- to 60-year-old post-menopausal females. However, it is estimated that up to 40% of females with vulvar lichen sclerosis begin experiencing symptoms during their reproductive years. If you are experiencing symptoms, then we encourage you to seek lichen sclerosis treatment near you on Hilton Head Island.

Causes of Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus has been studied and researched for more than a century, yet the exact cause of LS remains unclear. Its characteristics link it to autoimmune disorders (when your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells). It is often seen in individuals with other overlapping autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroidism, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or alopecia. Its connection to regulatory genes, commonly human leukocyte antigen (HLA class ii), can trigger immune system responses that cause local atrophy and inflammation. Interleukin 4 (IL4) and transforming growth factor β (TGF β) correlate with LS as they incorrectly fire cytokines that generate fibroblasts, leading to a thickening or scarring of tissue known as fibrosis.

Recognizing Lichen Sclerosus

The following signs and symptoms of LS may appear on the vulva, anus, foreskin, or tip of the penis, according to Cleveland Clinic:

• Sores: Raised spots, inflammation, cracking skin, scales, and blisters.
• Hypopigmentation: Loss of melanin, rendering white or a lighter discoloration in the affected areas.
• Feelings of discomfort: Itching, irritability, and burning of tissue with LS.
• Urinary symptoms: Pain when voiding (dysuria), weaker stream of urine, and urine spray rather than stream.
• Scarring
  • Clitoral phimosis: This is when the prepuce (hood of the clitoris) can become attached to the clitoral glans or cover the clitoral glans due to a build-up of scar tissue.
  • Vaginal introitus scarring: Opening/beginning of vaginal canal begins to show build-up of scar tissue leading to blockage and discomfort.
  • Fissures: Fissures can be built up from irritated and scarred tissue, leading to tears between the clitoris and urethra, making sexual contact and urination incredibly painful.
  • Hyperkeratotic lesions: These can be caused by friction regarding scarred tissue and inflammation rubbing together. They can also cause ecchymosis (bruising and vessel damage/leakage).
  • Penis: Scar tissue can cause an abnormal penile discharge and a tightening of the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis.

Lichen Sclerosus Treatments Near You on Hilton Head Island

Steroidal ointments such as derm ovate and clobetasol can alleviate symptoms and are commonly prescribed for 12-week cycles. Though the effects of tissue damage may diminish with steroid use, this continuous treatment method has the potential to decrease in effectiveness over time. Symbios recommends cellular tissue regeneration that promotes natural healing and improves long-term functionality. The following innovative procedures work internally to rejuvenate tissue.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

An injection of platelet-rich plasma is an outstanding and proven method of cellular repair. PRP is an autologous procedure, meaning a patient’s blood is drawn and centrifuged to separate the plasma, white blood cells with platelets, and red blood cells. The rich concentration of cytokines, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor, and platelet factor interleukin promote an incredible stimulus for healing and repairing areas with LS damaged by scar tissue. This safe and effective non-surgical procedure, performed in our Hilton Head Island office, provides a natural solution for men and women seeking lichen sclerosus treatment.

The P-Shot for Men

With a quick injection of your platelet-rich plasma into a thoroughly numbed penis shaft, the PRP initiates a regenerative process while enhancing blood flow. The The P-Shot is an effective treatment for a range of concerns for men on Hilton Head Island, including the revitalization of scarred or damaged tissue from lichen sclerosus.

The O-Shot for Women

The O-Shot’s concentration of PRP explicitly targets the clitoris and urethral tissue to increase vaginal blood flow, which means more oxygen and nitric oxide to nourish the vaginal tissue, as well as heightened sensitivity. PRP improves overall functionality and revitalizes the scarred and damaged vulvar tissue by rebuilding the extracellular matrix of the sub-dermal vulvar region through glycoprotein fibronectin. The growth factors in PRP help bind and generate new tissue by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cell extracted from fat tissue. These autologous cells can be harvested from a micro-liposuction kit or used immediately after a liposuction procedure. After a local anesthetic is applied, ADSCs are injected into the damaged tissue. Stem cells restore proper function by differentiating into specific tissue cells and repairing the connective tissue and collagen structure.

ADSCs release anti-inflammatory cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factors, and fibroblast growth factors, which help alleviate discomfort and repair tissue. The exosomes, particularly miRNA-21, facilitate intracellular communication, enhancing the repair process. CD34-positive dermal dendritic cells also play a crucial role in wound and scar tissue healing. These cells are effective in immune response and are influenced by Hypoxia-inducible Factor (HIF)-1, which regulates responses to low oxygen levels necessary for maintaining volume.

Functional, Beautiful Bodies for Life

Wellness, function, and self-esteem intermix to produce our quality of life. Symbios believes natural rejuvenation can enhance life’s journey and supply your body with essential growth factors to keep you on the road toward happiness. For lichen sclerosis treatment near you on Hilton Head Island, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a Symbios provider.