PRP Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus

PRP Treatment for for Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a relatively rare skin condition that can cause vulvar itching, pain, and even scarring. While it’s most common in postmenopausal women, it can affect people of any age.

This issue does not improve without medical invention. Thankfully, clinical trials have begun to show that Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections can alleviate lichen sclerosus symptoms, helping women live normally again. Learn how PRP can help you.

Why People with Lichen Sclerosus Choose PRP

Clinical studies have shown excellent results when using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to treat lichen sclerosus.

In one study, a premenopausal woman's symptoms were documented with both the ICIQ Vaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (ICIQ-VS) and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI). The platelet rich plasma was prepared from the patient’s own blood. It was then administered twice over a two-month period.

A physical exam of the affected area had shown that the epidermis was nearly normal after only one injection, and the “upper dermal cellularity had been restored”. The patient was symptom-free. Both her ICIQ-VS and her FSFI scores had improved significantly.

Numerous trials have shown that PRP treatment:

• Eliminates lichen sclerosus symptoms
• Restores upper dermal cellularity
• Improves sex drive
• Increases quality of life

Corticosteroids for Lichen Sclerosus

Corticosteroid ointments, gels or creams are all commonly prescribed for lichen sclerosus because they can reduce inflammation and help alleviate symptoms. Often, cortisone creams or ointments will be applied to the affected area twice daily. If the treatment is effective after a few weeks, the physician will most likely recommend that you keep applying it weekly or biweekly to prevent recurrence.

That said, the efficacy of corticosteroids varies from patient to patient. These medications also come with several troubling side effects, which limit their potential as a long-term solution. These potential side effects include:

• Thinning of the skin
• Fungal infections
• Lowered immune system

Because of the efficacy and safety of PRP, it’s a much better option than corticosteroids.

What to Expect When Getting PRP Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus

At NovaGenix, we use blood-concentrating devices and PRP kits to ensure we get the maximum number of platelets that we can harvest from a sample. We take approximately 50 to 100 ccs of autologous blood from a venous sample from the patient.

Before injecting the PRP, a form of local anesthesia (e.g., numbing cream, lidocaine) may be applied to the vulva. After the patient is comfortable, the PRP will be injected sub-dermally with a 27-30-gauge needle. Some patients opt to use stem cell injections in tandem with PRP, increasing its effectiveness.

Vulvar appearance and function can dramatically improve after just one session. That said, we often recommend getting a second treatment two months after the first one. Studies have shown that this will not only alleviate symptoms but prevent them from reoccurring.

Looking for PRP Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus?

You’ve come to the right place. At NovaGenix, we’ve administered countless PRP shots, helping patients take advantage of its regenerative properties. Whether you’re ready to get PRP treatment or you’d like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us.