Many people believe Lichen Sclerosus affects mainly post menopausal women, this isnt true. Actually, children as young as 2 years old are being diagnosed with it.
It is believed that many child sufferers will simply grow out of it during puberty, whilst this is the case for some, for others it will affect them for the rest of their lives.
If you notice any of the following happening with your child please speak to your gp about Lichen Sclerosus, print off our checklist and fill it in to hand to your gp. Images to download can be found below.
Characteristics to look out for in children:
~Persistent itching
~complaining of burning/pain during urination
~Irritability whilst sitting
~Irritability at night
~Touching the vulval area more than usual
~Not wanting underwear on because its uncomfortable
~persistent Thrush
Typical treatment is a topical steroid applied to the skin of the vulva where symptoms are present, also zero based moisturizers to wash with aswell as to moisturize the skin are also used.
If your child has been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus of the vulva, it is important to perform visual checks once a month and keep a diary of any changes which can be given to the medical professional treating your child. When performing these checks, it is important to look out for fusing, where the Labia majora and Labia minora (inner and outer lips) stick and fuse together, keep note of any sore spots, how big they are and where they are, look for white patches on the vulva, tears or cuts, discharge, pimples, clitoris becoming buried under skin, bruising and shiny crinkly skin aswell as lumps or bumps. Record everything you see and take it with you to the appointment.
most commonly, Lichen Sclerosus is treated by either a Dermatologist or a Gynaecologist at your local hospital, however, some gp's may treat it themselves if they have the knowledge of LS.
It is important to note that you may be spoken to and told of the risk of developing cancer with LS, you may see it on a google search, but LS takes years of no treatment to develop into vulval cancer and is highly unlikely to develop in children. The youngest case of Vulval Cancer was a 20 year old girl.
For help alleviating the symptoms please see our section on tips.
It is believed that many child sufferers will simply grow out of it during puberty, whilst this is the case for some, for others it will affect them for the rest of their lives.
If you notice any of the following happening with your child please speak to your gp about Lichen Sclerosus, print off our checklist and fill it in to hand to your gp. Images to download can be found below.
Characteristics to look out for in children:
~Persistent itching
~complaining of burning/pain during urination
~Irritability whilst sitting
~Irritability at night
~Touching the vulval area more than usual
~Not wanting underwear on because its uncomfortable
~persistent Thrush
Typical treatment is a topical steroid applied to the skin of the vulva where symptoms are present, also zero based moisturizers to wash with aswell as to moisturize the skin are also used.
If your child has been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus of the vulva, it is important to perform visual checks once a month and keep a diary of any changes which can be given to the medical professional treating your child. When performing these checks, it is important to look out for fusing, where the Labia majora and Labia minora (inner and outer lips) stick and fuse together, keep note of any sore spots, how big they are and where they are, look for white patches on the vulva, tears or cuts, discharge, pimples, clitoris becoming buried under skin, bruising and shiny crinkly skin aswell as lumps or bumps. Record everything you see and take it with you to the appointment.
most commonly, Lichen Sclerosus is treated by either a Dermatologist or a Gynaecologist at your local hospital, however, some gp's may treat it themselves if they have the knowledge of LS.
It is important to note that you may be spoken to and told of the risk of developing cancer with LS, you may see it on a google search, but LS takes years of no treatment to develop into vulval cancer and is highly unlikely to develop in children. The youngest case of Vulval Cancer was a 20 year old girl.
For help alleviating the symptoms please see our section on tips.
Schools/Teachers
Lichen Sclerosus in children causes a lot of upset, irritability, lack of confidence and distraction whilst in school. A pupil with LS will have periods of upset and anguish if their vulva or penis is painful or itching.
During a flare up they will likely be touching the area constantly whilst complaining of pain or itching or even both simultaneously. It is important to offer support during these times, talk to the child, allow them to apply a cream which may help ease the symptoms or even call the parents in to give them some antihistamine to soothe them. Counselling is also a good option as having LS can have a negative impact on their mental and emotional health. Parents also need a good support network from the school in order to best help the child.
knowing about the devastating effects of LS is imperative for all schools, support workers, school nurses and teachers. In many cases the child will need allowances to be made during flare ups or periods of LS activity.
whilst schools have a strict anti bullying policy, children with LS can become a target due to them becoming distressed or touching their vulva or penis, so they will need to be monitored regularly.
During a flare up they will likely be touching the area constantly whilst complaining of pain or itching or even both simultaneously. It is important to offer support during these times, talk to the child, allow them to apply a cream which may help ease the symptoms or even call the parents in to give them some antihistamine to soothe them. Counselling is also a good option as having LS can have a negative impact on their mental and emotional health. Parents also need a good support network from the school in order to best help the child.
knowing about the devastating effects of LS is imperative for all schools, support workers, school nurses and teachers. In many cases the child will need allowances to be made during flare ups or periods of LS activity.
whilst schools have a strict anti bullying policy, children with LS can become a target due to them becoming distressed or touching their vulva or penis, so they will need to be monitored regularly.
