Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition which is considered to be autoimmune. The cause is not known. The condition tends to be a chronic condition whose symptoms come and go.

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Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus specifically refers to the condition occurring in the vulva or perineum area in a woman. It is almost exclusively seen in times of low hormone levels -- prior to puberty or after menopause. The condition has historically been very difficult to treat and causes a significant amount of distress to the patient.

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The most common treatment methods are topical steroid creams and topical hormone therapies (estradiol or, more commonly, testosterone, also in the form of creams). These therapies may be able to control symptoms sometimes but do not significantly alter the course of the disease itself.

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At G. DeAn Strobel, MD, PA, our approach to treatment of this life-altering condition has been more aggressive. The treatment outcomes are excellent with significant improvement usually within 4-6 weeks and almost complete resolution by 6 months to a year. We use a combined approach to balance hormones with pellets as well as to treat the affected skin area with a laser called the MonaLisa Touch.