The link between Lichen Sclerosis & our gut
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin condition that typically affects the genital and anal areas of women, leading to white patches, itching and discomfort.
The gut-autoimmune connection
Research shows a connection between gut health and autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, including LS:
The gut microbiome plays a key role in immune regulation. Imbalances in bacteria (dysbiosis) can cause immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation
Leaky gut or intestinal permeability, allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering chronic, systemic inflammation influencing autoimmune responses
Food sensitivities and allergies, often starting in the gut, can exacerbate gut inflammation affecting autoimmune conditions
Nutrient deficiencies resulting from poor food breakdown and absorption can impair immune function and skin health. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins A, D, and E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, are important for gut, immune and skin health
How to take control of your Lichen Sclerosis
Try an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in well-sourced veggies, fruits, proteins and fats, and low in processed foods, refined sugars and alcohol, dairy and gluten to support gut health and help manage inflammation
Also eat low oxalate, which has been linked to flares
Probiotics and prebiotics can help restore a healthy gut microbe balance, potentially reducing inflammation and modulating immune responses
Gut-healing protocols based on testing to restore microbial balance, resolve infections, support detoxification, and heal the stomach and gut lining also lower inflammation
While direct research connecting gut health specifically to lichen sclerosis is limited (any research on this topic is limited), improving gut health offers significant benefits to managing LS symptoms, and even putting it into remission.