Genital dermatoses (or skin conditions that affect the genital area) can cause much discomfort and sometimes embarrassment
THESE CONDITIONS INCLUDE LICHEN SCLEROSUS, LICHEN PLANUS, ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS. IN THIS PAGE, I EXPLAIN THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF GENITAL DERMATOSES – AND HOW I TREAT THEM
How do genital dermatoses impact people on a day-by-day basis?
THE DISCOMFORT CAN NOT ONLY BE PHYSICAL, BUT CAN ALSO IMPACT YOUR PERCEPTION OF YOURSELF AND YOUR SOCIAL LIFE
Symptoms of skin problems affecting the genitals include…
In some conditions, such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, the skin can progressively scar and lead to the fusion of the labia in women and phimosis (difficulty in retracting the foreskin) in men. Lichen planus can result in ulceration in the affected areas in both the vulval and vaginal region in women and the glans penis in men.
How does it feel?
You might experience itching, pain and inflammation of the affected skin and mucosal surfaces. You might feel pain when urinating and opening your bowels. You might experience pain during and following sexual intercourse, often resulting in trauma and small cracks to the affected skin.
Certain individuals may experience psychosexual difficulties
These can be due to either anticipation of pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse, or due to concerns regarding the appearance of the affected skin.
It can affect your mood and social life
Some people may experience an impact on their mood and social life due to the perception of stigma because the condition affects the genital skin.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately, these types of skin problems are chronic. That means that they can flare up from time to time. Therefore, we need to treat them appropriately. Careful management of the condition should allow you to be symptom-free and reduce the number of flare ups you get in future to a minimum.
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How it works
FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS
STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF
Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.
MEET WITH ME
I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.
FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN
I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.
More information about genital dermatoses
FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS
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Questions and answers
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About the author
Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist
MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)
I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.
I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.
After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.
Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.