Lichen Sclerosus Treatment UK Vulval LS Support with Laser, RF, PRP & Polynucleotides

Lichen sclerosus is usually described as a long-term condition. While it isn’t typically considered “curable”, many women achieve good symptom control and protect the skin long-term with the right plan and follow-up.

The goal is to reduce discomfort, help the skin heal, and lower the risk of scarring or complications—while recognising that flares can still happen.

In UK guidance, a potent prescription steroid ointment is commonly described as first-line treatment for vulval lichen sclerosus, usually followed by a tailored maintenance plan.

Your clinician will adjust the regimen to your symptoms, examination findings, and response over time.

Typically, no. Laser, RF, PRP, and polynucleotides are discussed as adjuncts in selected cases—alongside optimised standard care.

If you’re already using a prescribed steroid ointment, we’ll discuss how any supportive therapies might fit into your wider plan based on your symptoms, exam findings, and goals.

Seek prompt medical review if you notice any of the following:

• A persistent sore or ulcer (especially if it lasts more than 4 weeks)
• New hardening (induration) or a new lump
• A newly thickened area
• A new crusted or non-healing spot

These are commonly treated as “urgent review” triggers in LS follow-up guidance.

There is a small increased risk of vulval cancer in women with lichen sclerosus (often described as <5%).

This is why ongoing treatment, self-awareness, and appropriate follow-up matter. If anything looks new, changing, or non-healing, it should be checked promptly.

The number of sessions depends on your symptoms, the area involved, and which supportive option is appropriate.

Where a course is recommended, it’s usually planned and reviewed step-by-step (for example, a course of laser or PRP), with adjustments based on comfort, response, and clinical findings.

Most women describe the experience as manageable. We use numbing where appropriate, go slowly, and check in throughout.

You’re always in control—if anything feels too uncomfortable, we pause or stop. Afterwards, it’s common to have mild sensitivity for a short period.

Lichen sclerosus tends to be a chronic condition, so results are best thought of as control rather than a one-off “fix”.

Some women need maintenance over time, while others do well with fewer top-ups. Your plan is personalised and reviewed with you. Results vary and treatments are not a cure.

Diagnosis is usually based on your symptoms, a careful history, and a clinical examination. In some cases, a small biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

If you have ongoing symptoms that don’t respond as expected, or there is a new change on the skin, a clinician may recommend further assessment.

Not always. Many cases can be diagnosed clinically. A biopsy may be advised if the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, or there are areas that look atypical or do not heal.

A biopsy is a diagnostic step—not a sign that something is “definitely serious”. It helps guide safe long-term management.

No. Lichen sclerosus is not contagious and is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.

If you’re worried about symptoms being mistaken for infection, a clinician can help confirm what’s going on and rule out other causes.

When used correctly under clinical guidance, steroid ointment is widely described as first-line treatment and many women use a long-term maintenance plan safely.

Safety depends on correct product, correct amount, correct frequency, and follow-up. If you’re concerned about side effects, we can review your routine and make it clearer and more comfortable to follow.

Many women are under-treated because they’re unsure where, how much, or how often to apply. Your clinician should give you a clear plan and show you exactly what they mean by “thin layer” and “maintenance”.

If you feel uncertain or anxious about application, bring this up—small tweaks and clearer instructions often make the biggest difference.

Triggers vary, but common irritants include fragranced washes, harsh soaps, tight clothing, prolonged friction, and repeated scratching during itch cycles.

Many women find comfort improves with a gentle routine: fragrance-free cleansing, barrier protection where needed, breathable clothing, and a plan for managing itch without damaging the skin.

Yes. Itch and discomfort can overlap with infections and inflammatory skin conditions. This is why clinical assessment matters—especially if symptoms keep recurring or do not respond to typical treatments.

If infection is suspected, tests may be recommended before changing your LS treatment plan.

Some women experience stinging when urine touches irritated skin, or discomfort with wiping. If there is significant pain, bleeding, or persistent symptoms, this should be reviewed.

If symptoms suggest urinary infection or other causes, testing may be appropriate before attributing everything to LS.

Management in pregnancy or breastfeeding should be clinician-led. Some supportive procedures may be deferred, while symptom control and skincare can still be addressed safely with appropriate guidance.

If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, tell your clinician so your plan can be adjusted appropriately.

LS is a long-term condition, so ongoing review is important. Follow-up helps ensure symptoms are controlled, treatment is being used correctly, and any new changes are identified early.

If you notice a new sore, lump, thickened area, or a spot that does not heal, seek review promptly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

If symptoms persist, we revisit the basics first: diagnosis certainty, correct application, triggers/irritants, infection overlap, and whether the treatment plan is realistic to follow.

Only once standard care is genuinely optimised do we discuss adjunct options and whether they make sense for your goals—always with transparent expectations. Results vary. Not a cure.

Yes. Chronic symptoms can affect sleep, confidence, relationships, and quality of life. You don’t need to “push through” alone.

Support may include a clear symptom plan, reassurance, and signposting to appropriate wellbeing support if anxiety or distress is becoming a major part of the experience.

Many women find symptom relief using simple, fragrance-free emollients and appropriate lubricants to reduce friction.

If you are prone to irritation, it’s best to avoid heavily perfumed products and choose options designed for sensitive skin. If any product stings or worsens symptoms, stop and discuss alternatives.