Lichen sclerosis is an uncommon skin condition which usually develops in the genital or anal areas. However, it can even infect your torso, upper arms, and breasts.
This health condition usually occurs in adult women after menopause. Though, it is possible that other people can have lichen sclerosus. This condition can take place due to hormonal issues, an infection, genes, or the combination of all these together.
There are no proper cures for lichen sclerosus. Some natural and essential oils have potent anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the symptoms of lichen sclerosus.
In this article, you will learn the efficacy and uses of some essential oils for lichen sclerosus, plus its symptoms and causes. [1]
Potent Essential Oils for Lichen Sclerosus
1. Calendula Oil
Calendula is a plant that has versatile uses in culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes.
The main elements of calendula oil are triterpene alcohol, flavonoids, saponosene and linoleic acid. The flavonoids in this essential oil have anti-inflammatory properties.
The antiseptic and antimicrobial action of calendula essential oil may assist in relieving the symptoms of lichen sclerosus.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is extracted from the purple blossoms of lavender plant.
Thanks to its soothing and healing properties, lavender oil may provide relief to the skin affected by autoimmune diseases.
Lavender oil may even aid in relieving the itching and irritation of the condition. You get the best results if you combine it with chamomile essential oil. [4]
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil originates from the seeds of the castor plant. Its scientific name is Ricinus communis.
It has increasingly become an important element to be included in several soaps, cosmetics, massage oils, textiles, and medicines.
According to the International Journal of Toxicology, castor oil is used in over 700 cosmetic products.
According to a female lichen sclerosus patient aged between 65-74, a topical application of castor oil twice daily relieved the symptoms such as rashes and pain during urination. [3]
ALSO READ: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
4. Emu Oil
Emu oil has gained a lot of popularity because of its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Emu oil is well-absorbed by the skin and you need to apply only a small amount to manage the inflammatory skin conditions.
Clinical experiment suggests that emu oil may reduce the symptoms such as itching and swelling of lichen sclerosus and other inflammatory disorders. [5]
You can apply and massage it directly on the affected areas a few times daily.
ALSO READ: 14 Benefits of Emu Oil You Should Know
5. Witch Hazel Oil
Witch hazel oil is extracted from the North American witch-hazel or Hamamelis virginiana tree.
Owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may be beneficial as a home remedy for lichen sclerosus.
You may apply witch hazel essential oil with a cotton ball for reducing the irritation and itchiness of lichen sclerosus. [6]
6. Coconut Oil
There’s no clinical research on the efficacy of coconut oil for lichen sclerosus treatment. However, many health professionals and lichen patients speak of the potential soothing effects of coconut oil on lichen sclerosus symptoms.
Some doctors suggest of using coconut oil along with corticosteroid treatment for lichen sclerosus. The natural oil can work as a barrier and skin moisturizer. Coconut oil is one of the best natural sexual lubricants. Application of coconut oil on the lichen affected genitals may reduce the pain, burning sensation during sex.
Other Home Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus
There are several medical experiments conducted on the efficacy of different herbs and natural ingredients as lichen sclerosus natural treatments. [7, 8, 9]
Here are some of the most effective ones as backed by evidence:
- Honey
- Comfrey
- Magnesium
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Aloe vera
- Borax
Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus
The mild cases of lichen sclerosus have no significant signs or symptoms, though there are a few basic signs that you should watch out. You should visit a doctor if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms. If your doctor has diagnosed lichen sclerosus you should go for regular check up every 6 months to examine the condition.
The lichen sclerosis symptoms include:
- Severe Itching
- Pain or Discomfort during sex
- Smooth white marks on your skin
- Wrinkled or blotchy patches
- Easy tearing or bruising
- In extreme cases, blistering, bleeding, or ulcerated lesions
Causes of Lichen Sclerosus
The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. However, the following factors may trigger the condition:
- An imbalance of hormones or overactive immune system can contribute as the cause of lichen sclerosus.
- Previous skin damage at a specific site on the skin may raise the probability of lichen sclerosus at that spot.
- It mostly happens in postmenopausal women, but it can also occur in men and children.
- In women, the lichen sclerosus often occurs in the vulva. In men, the uncircumcised males are at high risk as the condition usually affects the foreskin. [2]
Bottom Line
Lichen sclerosus is a quite rare condition that generates white, patchy skin which is thinner than the usual.
It can affect your skin anywhere on the body, mostly the skin of the vulva, foreskin, around the penis and the anus area.
Anyone can be affected by lichen sclerosus. But postmenopausal women are at higher risk. Sometimes lichen sclerosus heals on its own, and no treatment is required.
Some essential oils are safe and effective in relieving lichen sclerosus symptoms. If you are allergic or undertaking some other topical medicine, it is better to consult a doctor before using these essential oil remedies.
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