Can anyone advise if this is Lichen Sclerosus / Planus? Or genital Herpes? Please help!

Sexual health
1

Hello,

Would anyone be able to provide their thoughts on the attached photographs please? I have been itching like mad daily for around 8 years now. I have had numerous STI tests carried out. All were negative apart from a blood test for HSV-1. As I have had severe itchiness, my doctor put me on acyclovir tablets and cream. This made 0 difference to my symptoms and he is now of the view that HSV-1 is not what is causing my discomfort. It has now been put down to ‘vulvodynia’ which I am unwilling to accept as I have no pain, just extreme itchiness!

I have carried out some research and note that Lichen Sclerosis/Planus can cause severe itchiness down below and I wondered if this is possibly what I have. Some photographs I have found seem to be extreme cases and I don’t know if I possibly have a mild version of it? You will see from the 3rd photograph that there are fissures on my labia minora.

I have always lived in hope that I would get this fixed and find some sort of relief, but I am now reaching the end of my tether and do not know what else to do. I can’t even walk from one end of the room to the other without extreme itchy discomfort. I feel that I have 0 quality of life. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Sorry for the ramble and thanks in advance!

2

Can anyone help at all please? I would appreciate it so much!

3

hi, based on what you said its more leaning towards lichen sclerosis. did you get tested for that aswell?

and also in the second photo i can see that you have fordyce spots which is totally normal.
beet regards

4

thank you! no I’m completely new to discovering that this is what it could be. do you know what kind of test they do? thanks in advance!

5

they would do a biopsy

6

Ask your GP to refer you to see a Dermatologist, they specialise in all things skin, including the genital areas. They are more likely to have an idea about what this is than your local doctor.

7

i have already seen a dermatologist and a gynaecologist, both of which have said they cant see anything. its so frustrating when i can feel the itch constantly.

8

these are two other photos of my inner labia minora. i dont know if anyone can see all the little cuts/redness/whiteness… these are the parts that are causing me irritation.