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| >> Vulval VestibulitisYou have been told that you are suffering from vulval vestibulitis. We do not know the cause of vulval vestibulitis, but it is not infectious nor cancerous. It is characterised by pain or pressure at the area around the vaginal opening (the vestibule). This usually occurs at sexual intercourse or when inserting tampons. Patchy redness may be present in this area but this does not always occur. Lots of treatments have been used for this condition and you may find your doctors have provided you with some or all of them: emollient creams (moisturisers); EMLA, ketoconazole cream, topical steroid creams, tricyclic antidepressant tablets. These are all prescribed to ease that pain of vestibulitis. Even antidepressant tablets act as painkillers in small doses. If necessary the dose of these tablets may be increased to help you. You should be aware that not all treatment works for everyone and it may take a long time for your symptoms to improve. Please read attached General Care of the Vulval leaflet which will help to soothe and protect your vulval skin. Address for further information Vulval Pain Society - VPS Web: www.vul-pain.dircon.co.uk/index.htm Prepared by the BSSVD to help patients Erosive Lichen PlanusYou have been told that you are suffering from lichen planus. Erosive lichen planus is an itchy disease which may affect the skin anywhere on the body but when it affects moist surfaces in the mouth and genital area it causes raw areas which are painful. Erosive lichen planus of the vulva may last for several years. Your treatment will consist of strong steroid ointment. Your doctor may feel it necessary to use tablets to control your disease. Should this be necessary the proposed tablets and their potential side effects will be discussed with you. Rarely women with lichen planus may develop a cancer. It is therefore important that you should report and lumps or unusual changes in your symptoms immediately to your doctor. Please read attached General Care of the Vulval leaflet which will help to soothe and protect your vulval skin. Address for further information Vulval Pain Society - VPS Web: www.vul-pain.dircon.co.uk/index.htm Prepared by the BSSVD to help patients Lichen SimplexYou have been told that you are suffering from lichen simplex. Lichen simplex is a common non-infectious itchy disease. You may have had eczema/dermatitis elsewhere before. You will have found it difficult to stop itching especially at night. Your treatment will consist of strong steroid creams/ointments and perhaps an antihistamine tablet to take at night. This may make you feel a little drowsy. It is important that you do not drink alcohol with this tablet and driving may be affected. Some people find taking the table 1 hour before bed is helpful. Lichen simplex may commonly recur especially when you are stressed. In some cases your doctor may wish to do patch tests to investigate whether you are reacting to something with which you are in contact. Some women with LS are iron deficient. If your blood test shows this to be the case you will be given some iron. Please read attached General Care of the Vulval leaflet which will help to soothe and protect your vulval skin. Ask your Clinic Doctor or Nurse if you require further information. Address for further information Vulval Pain Society - VPS Web: www.vul-pain.dircon.co.uk/index.htm Prepared by the BSSVD to help patients Lichen Sclerosus (LS)You have been told that you are suffering from lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus is a common itchy disease which affects genital and occasionally non-genital skin. It may occur in adults and children. Your symptoms may have lasted for many years. Lichen sclerosus may run in families. You may have noticed white or red areas on your vulva which may crack and be sore. Your symptoms should improve with treatment which will consist of strong steroid creams/ointments which should control your symptoms. As time goes on and your lichen sclerosus improves you will need less frequent treatment. In very few women with lichen sclerosus a vulval skin cancer may occur. It is therefore important that you should report and lumps or unusual changes in your symptoms immediately to your doctor. We advise patients with LS to have regular check ups and you will be advised to either attend the clinic or your GP on a yearly basis. Please read attached General Care of the Vulval leaflet which will help to soothe and protect your vulval skin. Address for further information Vulval Pain Society - VPS Web: www.vul-pain.dircon.co.uk/index.htm Prepared by the BSSVD to help patients Further Information is available fromNational Lichen Sclerosus Support Group Calls by appointment only This is a new support group, and all lichen sclerosus sufferers are welcome to contact the group for support and information. Please write with a stamped addessed envelope for reply. General Care of the VulvaVulval skin is sensitive. It may react to both irritants such as soaps and a whole range of substances may cause allergy. The sort of clothing you wear may have an effect on your vulval disease. The recommendations here are general for all types of vulval disease and should be used as an adjunct to more specific treatment prescribed by the clinic doctor. Clothing Always wear loose fitting underwear. Try to avoid tight outer garments such as bicycling shorts or tight leggings. Sometimes if very uncomfortable the wearing of no knickers at all is quite helpful. Washing Avoid all contact with soap. You may find it beneficial to start washing your hair separately to the rest of your body as shampoo can irritate. Aqueous cream BP used as a soap substitute is soothing for most vulval disorders. It can be used also as a local emollient. It is important that you avoid contact with nonprescribed over-the-counter preparations which might make your skin condition worse. Avoid contact with perfume and personal deodorants. Prepared by the BSSVD to help patients
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