What are the causes and treatments of vulvar leukoplakia?

I believe many friends have heard of vulvar leukoplakia, but do you really understand vulvar leukoplakia? Do you know the causes and treatment methods of vulvar leukoplakia? Many women only learn about it after they become ill, and do not pay attention to it in their daily lives. Vulvar leukoplakia is a gynecological disease. There are many causes related to this disease. There is currently no definite cause, but there are four treatments. Next, let’s take a look at the causes of vulvar leukoplakia and its treatments.

The exact cause of vulvar leukoplakia is unknown. It may be related to the following factors: genes, autoimmunity, sex hormone deficiency or decreased sex hormone receptors, etc. Vulvar squamous epithelial hyperplasia may be related to vulvar moisture and long-term stimulation by secretions, leading to vulvar itching and repeated scratching.

There are four treatment methods:

1. General treatment

Pay attention to keeping the vulva clean and dry. Do not use irritating drugs or soaps to clean the vulva. Avoid wearing non-breathable synthetic underwear and do not eat spicy or allergenic foods. For those with severe itching symptoms leading to insomnia, sedatives, sleeping pills and anti-allergic drugs can be added.

2. Medication

Commonly used drugs for vulvar lichen sclerosus include pyruvic acid ointment, compound vitamin A ointment and progesterone ointment. Alternatively, glucocorticoid ointments or immunotherapy may be used. Drugs can improve symptoms but cannot cure the disease, and long-term use is required. Lichen sclerosus in young girls may heal on its own by puberty, and pyruvate ointment is generally not used for treatment to avoid virilization. 1% hydrocortisone ointment or 0.3% progesterone ointment can be applied, which can relieve most symptoms, but long-term follow-up is required.

Vulvar squamous epithelial hyperplasia can be treated with topical corticosteroids to control pruritus. Treatment is effective for most patients, but long-term medication is required.

3. Physical therapy

Suitable for patients who are not responsive to drug treatment or whose condition is serious. Microwave therapy, carbon dioxide laser and helium-neon laser, Bohm light, high-frequency electric knife, local electrocautery therapy and liquid nitrogen local cryotherapy, etc.

4. Surgery

Surgical treatment is only suitable for patients with severe conditions and those who have failed to respond to repeated medication or physical therapy. Surgery is required when vulvar squamous hyperplasia is suspected to be malignant.

Generally speaking, patients with vulvar leukoplakia in the early stages have a very high chance of being cured, and the treatment is generally medication. For those with more serious conditions, physical therapy and surgery are generally used. Of course, regardless of whether you or your friends suffer from vulvar leukoplakia, we should properly understand the causes and treatments of vulvar leukoplakia, which will benefit us in every way.