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New online guide launched to support people affected by lichen sclerosus

Press release issued: 17 January 2025

A new online guide has launched to support and empower people with vulval lichen sclerosus (LS) to learn about the condition, access the right treatment and live more comfortably. It is estimated that around 1 in 100 women have vulval LS. It can be diagnosed at any age, but it seems to happen most often after the menopause. Nobody knows exactly what causes LS.

The online guide [www.lichensclerosusguide.org.uk] written by expert healthcare professionals and researchers from the University of Bristol, University of Nottingham, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and people with vulval LS, has practical advice and easy-to-use resources to help people live better.

The website contains information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and support, and includes videos explaining what happens to the skin in LS, vulval anatomy and self-examination, and how to apply treatment to the vulva.

There is also information for healthcare professionals and carers and partners of people with vulval LS.

LS is a skin condition that can affect anyone at any age, but it most commonly affects women. Although it can appear anywhere, it mainly affects the genitals, and in women or those assigned female at birth, this is known as vulval LS.

Read the full University of Bristol news item

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