Category: Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus can scar the vulva, ruin sex, and raise the risk of cancer. Here is the published research, before-and-after photos, and practical information about treating lichen sclerosus with platelet-rich plasma and the O-Shot® procedure.

  • O-Shot® (Orchid Shot®) Could Decrease Chances of Cancer

    O-Shot® (Orchid Shot®) Could Decrease Chances of Cancer

    The following research showed that our O-Shot® techniques using PRP could decrease the chances of the development of squamous cell carcinoma in women suffering from lichen sclerosus.

    Over a period of about nine years, none of the 319 women followed developed squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with PRP.

    =>Here’s the research to read as a pdf<–

    =>Where to find a physician offering the procedure in your area<–

    -> Where your physician can find more information (click) about the procedure (the web page you are reading now is only for education; your physician (in consultation with you) can best determine your treatment.

    -> Here’s where you can calculate your Female Sexual Function Index (free online test)<–

    Here’s more research about PRP and it’s benefit for lichen sclerosus…

    • Casabona, Francesco, Ilaria Gambelli, Federica Casabona, Pierluigi Santi, Gregorio Santori, and Ilaria Baldelli. “Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Chronic Penile Lichen Sclerosus: The Impact on Tissue Repair and Patient Quality of Life.” International Urology and Nephrology 49, no. 4 (April 2017): 573–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-017-1523-0.
    • Casabona, Francesco, Virginia Priano, Valerio Vallerino, Angela Cogliandro, and Giorgio Lavagnino. “New Surgical Approach to Lichen Sclerosus of the Vulva: The Role of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Tissue Regeneration.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 126, no. 4 (2010): 210e–11.
    • Cattaneo, A., P. Carli, A. De Marco, L. Sonni, G. Bracco, A. De Magnis, and G. L. Taddei. “Testosterone Maintenance Therapy. Effects on Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Treated with Clobetasol Propionate.” The Journal of Reproductive Medicine 41, no. 2 (February 1996): 99–102.
    • Chin, Simone, James Scurry, Jennifer Bradford, Geoffrey Lee, and Gayle Fischer. “Association of Topical Corticosteroids With Reduced Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Recurrence in Patients With Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.” JAMA Dermatology 156, no. 7 (July 1, 2020): 813–14. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.1074.
    • Franic, D., Z. Iternička, and M. Franić-Ivanišević. “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus in a Premenopausal Woman: A Case Report.” Case Reports in Women’s Health 18 (April 2018): e00062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crwh.2018.e00062.
    • Garrido-Colmenero, Cristina, Carmen María Martínez-Peinado, Manuel Galán-Gutiérrez, Virginia Barranco-Millán, and Ricardo Ruiz-Villaverde. “Successful Response of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus with NB-UVB.” Dermatologic Therapy 34, no. 2 (2021): e14801. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14801.
    • Goldstein, Andrew T., Michelle King, Charles Runels, Meghan Gloth, and Richard Pfau. “Intradermal Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 76, no. 1 (January 2017): 158–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.07.037.
    • Goldstein, Andrew T., Leia Mitchell, Vaishnavi Govind, and Debra Heller. “A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Intradermal Injections for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, January 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.060.
    • Goodchild, Sophie. “How Kim Kardashian’s Vampire Facial Could Provide Relief to 1m Women.” Mail Online, November 5, 2022. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11393613/How-Kim-
    • Kardashians-vampire-facial-provide-relief-1m-British-women.html.
    • Gulin, Sandra Jerkovic, Filippa Lundin, and Oliver Seifert. “Comorbidity in Patients with Lichen Sclerosus: A Retrospective Cohort Study.” European Journal of Medical Research 28, no. 1 (September 11, 2023): 338. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-023-01335-9.
    • Gunthert, A.R., K. Duclos, B.G. Jahns, and et al. “Clinical Scoring System for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.” J Sex Med 9 (2012): 2342–50.
    • Gutierrez-Ontalvilla, P., F. Giner, L. Vidal, and M. Iborra. “The Effect of Lipofilling and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Patients with Moderate-Severe Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Who Were Non-Responders to Topical Clobetasol Propionate: A Randomized Pilot Study.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 46, no. 5 (October 2022): 2469–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02718-1.
    • Krogh, G von, K Dahlman-Ghozlan, and S Syrjänen. “Potential Human Papillomavirus Reactivation Following Topical Corticosteroid Therapy of Genital Lichen Sclerosus and Erosive Lichen Planus.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV 16, no. 2 (March 2002): 130–33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12046814.
    • Lee, A., J. Bradford, and G. Fischer. “Long-Term Management of Adult Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Prospective Cohort Study of 507 Women.” JAMA Dermatol 151 (2015): 1061–67.
    • Marnach, Mary L., and Rochelle R. Torgerson. “Therapeutic Interventions for Challenging Cases of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus and Lichen Planus.” Obstetrics & Gynecology 138, no. 3 (September 2021): 374–78. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004498.
    • Mitchell, Leia, Andrew T. Goldstein, Debra Heller, Theodora Mautz, Chelsea Thorne, So Yeon Joyce Kong, Maria E. Sophocles, Hillary Tolson, and Jill M. Krapf. “Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Obstetrics & Gynecology 137, no. 6 (June 2021): 979–87. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004409.
    • “New Surgical Approach to Lichen Sclerosus of the Vulva: The Role of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Tissue Regeneration. Casabona F1, Priano V.” Plast Reconstr Surg., n.d.
    • Origoni, M., D. Ferrari, M. Rossi, F. Gandini, M. Sideri, and A. Ferrari. “Topical Oxatomide: An Alternative Approach for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.” International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 55, no. 3 (December 1996): 259–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7292(96)02768-3.
    • Pensato, Rosita, and Simone La Padula. “The Effect of Lipofilling and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Patients with Moderate–Severe Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Who Were Non-Responders to Topical Clobetasol Propionate: A Randomized Pilot Study.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, May 31, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-022-02947-y.
    • Posey, Kathleen, and Charles Runels. “In-Office Surgery and Use of Platelet Rich Plasma for Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus to Alleviate Painful Sexual Intercourse.” Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease 19, no. 3 (July 2015): S1–25. https://doi.org/10.1097/lgt.0000000000000121.
    • Qing, Chun, Xiaoyong Mao, Gaoqing Liu, Yibin Deng, and Xiaokun Yang. “The Efficacy and Safety of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy for Lichen Sclerosus: A Meta Analysis.” Indian Journal of Dermatology 68, no. 1 (2023): 1–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_925_21.
    • Tedesco, M., G. Pranteda, G. Chichierchia, and et al. “The Use of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) in Patients Affected by Genital Lichen Sclerosus: Clinical Analysis and Results.” J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 33 (2019): e58–59.
    • Vittrup, G., L. Mørup, T. Heilesen, D. Jensen, S. Westmark, and D. Melgaard. “The Quality of Life and Sexuality in Women with Lichen Sclerosus – A Cross Sectional Study.” Clinical and Experimental Dermatology n/a, no. n/a. Accessed August 31, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.14893.

  • Lichen Sclerosus in Men & Women…New Research

    In this three-minute video from Temple Repair Skin, new research on lichen sclerosus in men and women is discussed.

     

    Here’s where to find the nearest O-Sho® provider<—

  • FOX News Talks Sex in Women After Breast Cancer (and More)

    Ageless Expressions <–

    Find nearest O-Shot® provider<–

    Apply to become an O-Shot® provider<–

  • O-Shot® Helps Treat Lichen Sclerosus (more research)

    Here’s–once again–more, new, research showing benefit from treating lichen scelrosus with the O-Shot® procedure…

    **Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus in a premenopausal woman: A case report (this one with dramatic photos)<<click to read<—.

    **Rejuvenation Using Platelet-rich Plasma and Lipofilling for Vaginal Atrophy and Lichen Sclerosus (click to read)<–

    ** The use of PRP(platelet-rich plasma) in patients affected by genital lichen sclerosus: clinical analysis and results. <–click to read<==

    **The first study with biopsies showing benefit from PRP for lichen sclerosus (using the O-Shot® techniques). The dermatopathologists were blinded to the before and after treatments and benefit was shown…
    click to read<—(scroll to the next to last abstract)

    **More research about lichen sclerosus treatment with PRP
    click to read<–

    **Combining PRP with surgery for clitoral-hood phimosis from lichen sclerosus using O-Shot® techniques…
    Click to read<– (it’s on page S14)

    A video that shows more and gives some details…

    Find provider who will consider treating lichen sclerosus with PRP (RESULTS WILL VARY)…
    click<–(see the legend)

    Apply for training as a member of the O-Shot® provider group
    click<–(physicians and nurse practitioners)

    Women suffering with lichen sclerosus–Apply to participate in our on-going research
    click <–

  • Improve Male & Female Sexual Function

    Relevant Links…

  • Lichen Sclerosus. New Research

    The following video explains the history and some of the logic of this research…now open for the enrollment of 30 women suffering with lichen sclerosus (free treatment for those who qualify)….

    Here’s the official details of the study as approved by the Institutional Review Board….

    You are being contacted because have expressed interest in participating in a research trial using Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the skin disease lichen sclerosus. PRP is a platelet concentrate that helps to speed up tissue healing, without serious side effects, in a very wide range of medical conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, muscle injury, tendon injury, and in a variety of cosmetic procedures. The PRP works because of its high level of proteins that help with wound healing. It is also apparent from the majority of published studies that PRP therapy has minimal risk of scar tissue formation or significant bad side effects. As the PRP is prepared from your own blood, there are no risks of allergic reactions, transfusion reactions, or infections (HIV, Hepatitis, etc).
    We will be enrolling 30 women with active, biopsy proven, lichen sclerosus. This is a placebo-controlled study so you will have a 66.6% chance of getting the PRP and 33.3% chance to get the placebo. Neither you, nor the study doctor, will know if you will get the PRP or placebo. The study is only being conducted at the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, DC. There will be 4 study visits in a 14 weeks period. Small biopsies will be performed at the beginning and end of the study. PRP will be injected in areas of active lichen sclerosus two times during the study. No additional treatments will be allowed for 12 weeks prior to enrolling in the study and during the 14 weeks of the study. No compensation will be provided for participation in the trial.
    Please read the informed consent at www.CVVD.org/research_studies very carefully before contacting Leia Mitchell at DRG.CVVD@gmail.com. Please be aware that the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders is the only center conducting this study and its only being conducted in our Washington DC office. If you cannot travel to Washington DC for the 4 visits, you will not be able participate in this study. It is also possible that you may have to come in prior to the study for one visit to confirm that you have active lichen sclerosus. Lastly, we cannot give you referrals for treatment by other physicians.

    Sincerely,

    Ms. Leia Mitchell
    The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders

    If interested in participating in this current project (only 30 will be accepted) then do 3 things…

    1. If you have lichen sclerosus and can travel to this address 4 times (click to see where you’ll be going), then fill out the following form (this is password protected in a HIPPA compliant encrypted server. Only Dr. Runels, Dr. Goldstein, and his staff have access to the data)…

    2. Click to read the consent form <–

    3. Send an email to the following address…
    drg.cvvd@gmail.com

    If interested in participating in future research with lichen sclerosus or other female sexual dysfunctions, or in being kept up to date about result, then fill out the following form….

    Thank you very much for your trust,

    Charles Runels, MD
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  • Lichen Sclerosus Before & Afters

    Here’s an example of what is possible using O-Shot® methodology to treat lichen sclerosus. These photos are courtesy of Dr. Red Alinsod, who also enjoys a world-wide reputation for labial surgeries and is expert at freeing the phimosis that can happen with the clitoral hood.

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    Possible results after treating lichen sclerosus with O-Shot® methodology.Courtesy of Dr.Red Alinsod

    Our Most Recent Research (click)<–

    Here’s where we are planning and raising money for future research (click)<–

    If you (or someone you love) suffers with lichen, then we will keep you updated with future research if you will give us your information on the following form (your information will not be shared). We will also send to you information occasionally about research that concerns vaginal and sexual health that may relate to subjects other than lichen (but which will be of importance to all women).

    Doctors may request more information about this methodology here (click)<–

    Because of the sexual nature of the emails (using words like “vagina” and displaying photos of the vagina) the spam filters will capture all of the communications to you unless you confirm that you wish to receive the information by clicking on the email that will be sent to you (which may also be in your spam folder).

    I hope and pray that we can eventually eliminate this horrible disease from the planet. Please help us in our quest by helping spread the word and by giving us your feed back.

    Patient Reviews (click)<–

    Here’s the form that allows us to keep you up-to-date and let you know about future research.
    All we really need is first name and email, but if you supply more it will help us identify you as a candidate for future research participation…

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  • Biobridge 2016

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    Dr. Runels talks about using the O-Shot® method to help with urinary incontinence at the Biobridge Conference in Venice Italy (sponsored by Regen PRP).

    In the following video, the photos of the hand are courtesy of Mark Lowney, MD, FACOG & the lichen photos are courtesy of Kathleen Posey, MD, FACOG. The lichen study was done with the leadership of Dr. Andrew Goldstein, MD, FACOG.

    Details about how to do the  procedure can be learned online or with hands-on classes to qualified Drs and Nurse Practitioners.

    –>>Providers of the O-Shot® Procedure can be found here (click)<–

    –>Application Admission for Training and Participation in our Provider Group can be found here (click)<—

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  • Lichen Sclerosus

    hi i have linchen sclerosus, the o- shot will that help with the itching, stinging , and burning ?

    Yes! Not in everyone, but in most. New research coming soon (out for publication). But, should be done intelligently by someone who understands both the O-Shot® procedure and lichen sclerosus.