Lichen sclerosus

[medcliffe1]

How often should you be examined

[Dr Nevianna Bordet]

Thank you for your question. There are no "rules" on how often a patient should be examined. If the LS is in remission, then annual examination is usually recommended but this can be done by yourself with a mirror once you have been taught what to look for or your GP surgery (practice nurse or doctor or other practitioner with expertise) and is not usually done by the hospital. If you have active inflammation, then it depends on this. Some patients may be follow-up by the hospital every few weeks or months until the disease is stable, the frequency is determined by the severity of the lichen sclerosus as well as individual factors relating to the patient e.g. are they well enough to come to hospital for follow-up, are they immunosuppressed, have they had gynaecological cancer before etc. Most NHS departments would see a patient, start them on treatment and review again in 3 months. If they are stable at that visit they may be discharged back to the care of their GP or be given a PIFU (Patient initiated follow up) so they can call the hospital if they need another appointment.