Kraurosis treatment at home. Krauroz: symptoms, treatment, photos, reviews

- chronic progressive atrophic process of the skin and vulvar mucosa associated with involutive changes in the external genitalia. Kraurosis of the vulva is accompanied by paresthesia, dryness, itching of the mucosa; atrophic and sclerotic changes in the labia minora, clitoris, labia majora; dyspareunia, vulvitis, vaginal stenosis. Kraurosis is diagnosed during an external examination, vulvoscopy, biopsy of the tissues of the vulva. Treatment of vulvar kraurosis includes local and general hormone therapy, physiotherapy, vitamin therapy, and, if indicated, vulvectomy.

Forecast and prevention of kraurosis of the vulva

Treatment for vulvar kraurosis is ineffective and full recovery impossible to achieve. Malignant transformation of kraurosis of the vulva can be observed with long-term non-healing erosions, cracks, in combination with dysplasia and leukoplakia.

Kraurosis vulva requires constant surveillance at the gynecologist and treatment. Important are individually selected diet, lack of stress, intimate hygiene, right choice underwear. To reduce the oncological risk, patients with vulvar kraurosis need to undergo vulvoscopy once every six months, and with suspicious results, cytological and histological examinations.

The hormonal background determines general well-being women, as well as the condition of most of her organs. Metabolism depends on estrogen bone tissue, youthfulness of the skin, the condition of hair and nails, as well as the epithelium of the vagina and external genital organs. From a lack of a hormone, atrophic processes develop, which can be expressed in the form of kraurosis. This pathology in 20-50% of cases can turn into cancer. Therefore, the treatment of vulvar kraurosis must be timely and complete in order to prevent such a transformation.

Gradually, the aging of the body leads to the appearance of a whole range of diseases, each of which may be a consequence of the previous one. Therefore, it is not possible to establish the exact cause of many diseases. In such a situation, there is a multifactorial influence on the pathology. Kraurosis of the vulva is no exception. The disease was first described in 1885, and the name was given to it based on the characteristic clinic - in Greek "krauros" means dry. Other names for pathology are leukoplakic vulvitis, atrophic leukoplakia, limited scleroderma. The ICD-10 code for vulvar kraurosis is N90.4.

A bit of anatomy

The vulva is represented by a strictly separated anatomical zone. It includes:

large labia;
clitoris;
small labia;
vestibule of the vagina;
hymen.

The epithelium of this area is maintained during wet due to normal vaginal discharge. The tissues of the labia majora have a large layer subcutaneous tissue, and the labia minora are represented skin folds. The skin has a large number of estrogen receptors. Hormones determine the condition of the mucosa, the microflora of the vagina, and hence health.

Who is at risk

There is no consensus on what causes vulvar kraurosis. This is due to the fact that pathology can be detected in women of different ages. But more often at risk are those who have crossed the threshold of menopause. There are several main factors that lead to pathology.

Climax. decline functional activity ovaries leads to a decrease in estrogen. In the epithelium of the vulva, there is no accumulation of a sufficient amount of glycogen, it becomes thinner, atrophy develops. The processes are especially pronounced after 60 years.
Neuroendocrine disorders. In many women, the pathological process develops against the background of a decrease in the activity of many endocrine organs: pancreas, ovaries, thyroid gland. Also, pathology often accompanies diabetes mellitus, obesity.
Infections. The relationship with the development of kraurosis is relative. There are no reliable data prescribing pathogens for the development of kraurosis. But seen frequent presence Trichomonas, herpes viruses, papilloma, as well as non-specific infections. Some scholars say that joining infectious process secondarily: in the region of the vulva, the environment changes from acidic to alkaline. Prerequisites for infection are created.
Local damage. Frequent pathological processes that lead to damage to the surface of the vulva can cause kraurosis. For example, a chronic burn from undissolved potassium permanganate crystals, as well as the use of other chemical substances. Sometimes in young age kraurosis is the result of surgery on the genitals.
Hygiene. There is a connection between the lack of hygiene of the external genital organs and the development of atrophic processes.
Psychosomatics. The appearance of kraurosis is noted in women who are dissatisfied with themselves, prone to depressive states with sexual problems. The mechanism of development is associated with a violation of the transmission of impulses in a certain area of the brain, which is also associated with autonomic regulation. In this case, the blood flow on the vulvar mucosa is disturbed, which leads to atrophy.

Often, pathology accompanies other oncological diseases associated with impaired blood flow and lymph circulation:

lymphoma;
blood leukemia;
myelodysplastic syndrome;
myeloma.

In this case, kraurosis is considered as an additional symptom of the underlying disease.

Additional factors may be autoimmune diseases and a general decrease in immunity, frequent overheating. Kraurosis of the vulva is not contagious, although it may be the result of an infectious lesion.

Signs you can see on your own

The symptoms of vulvar kraurosis can initially be confused with other conditions. Itching comes first. It causes considerable anxiety, sometimes becomes unbearable. Manifestations are aggravated in the following cases:

after stress;
under the action of soap and water;
at night time;
after overheating.

Itching may be accompanied by burning, a feeling of dryness and tightening of the skin. The disease progresses in stages.

First stage. On initial stage dryness may not be observed. Puffiness and hyperemia are the main symptoms. At the same time, blood flow is disturbed in the tissues, they suffer from hypoxia.
Second stage. Edema goes away, atrophic processes are clearly manifested. The skin becomes dry and rough. Whitish scales appear - lichenization. They are located in the form of plaques. First of all, the junction of the skin with the mucous membrane on the labia majora is affected, then this process spreads to large areas. The labia minora thickens, the skin becomes less elastic.
Third stage. Atrophy comes first. Leukocraurosis in women leads to a gradual wrinkling of the external genital organs, the opening of the urethra, vagina, and anal ring decreases. This is accompanied by a violation of defecation and urination, sexual intercourse becomes painful.

Sometimes cracks appear in places of sclerosis. The accession of the infection translates the wounds into sores, which are accompanied by significant soreness. for a long time existing pathology leads to nervous exhaustion, sleep disorders, psycho-emotional disorders.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis begins with the gynecologist's chair. During the examination, edematous tissues of red color are determined (at the first stage). With the progression of the disease, small labia minora, reduced in size, are visually distinguishable, the color of the mucosa becomes whitish, it looks thin, reminiscent of parchment. In the first two stages hairy part the vulva is not affected.

Helps in the diagnosis of vulvoscopy. It is carried out with the same apparatus as colposcopy, but the examination is focused on the surface of the vulva, not the cervix.

Laboratory diagnostics includes the study of smears, as well as blood and urine tests. There may be an increase in glucose levels in diabetes mellitus. Testing for sexually transmitted infections may be recommended. To a greater extent, HPV matters.

During vulvoscopy, a tissue sample is taken for histological examination. This allows you to accurately determine the state of tissues, their tendency to go into cancer.

Often in areas of kraurosis, another type of change is determined - leukoplakia. It is noted that the transition to cancer occurs due to areas of leukoplakia, and not kraurosis.

Differential diagnosis is more needed for initial stages. It is necessary to distinguish kraurosis from neurodermatitis, red lichen planus, leukoplakia, diabetes mellitus, dysplasia, vulvitis and vaginitis, which may have a similar course.

Treatment of vulvar kraurosis

The disease belongs to intractable pathologies. The prognosis is poor in most cases rare cases manages to get rid of unpleasant symptoms. They try to treat kraurosis of the vulva conservative ways, only in last resort resort to surgical methods. IN therapeutic purposes use the following medicines.

Vitamins. Necessary for the normalization of the trophism of altered tissues. To a greater extent, vitamin A, E, C, as well as group B affect the skin condition.
Hormonal remedies. Often kraurosis occurs from a lack of estrogen. Therefore, for menopausal women, it is effective to use local preparations with estrogen. For example, "Ovestin" in the form of candles. But if the pathogenesis of the disease is not associated with estrogen deficiency, there are areas of leukoplakia, then the risk of transition to cancer increases. Topical ointments that contain testosterone propionate or methyltestosterone may be used. Hormonal ointments corticosteroid-based can also be used, but in short courses. If the composition contains fluorine, then their long-term use leads to increased atrophy.
Antihistamines. Apply in the form local cream, but more often in tablet form inside. Use drugs such as "Chloropyramine", "Cetirizine", "Loratadine". They reduce the severity of itching. Some first-generation drugs have central action and promote sedation (soothe), which becomes useful for signs of neuroticism.
Sedatives. Psycho-neurological disorders disrupt the behavior of a woman, so you can not do without sedatives. In mild cases, valerian extract or motherwort tincture may suffice. For more pronounced conditions, "Adaptol", "Afobazol" are prescribed. In severe cases, use more strong means: Diazepam, Chlorpromazine, Phenazepam.
Antibacterial agents. Antibiotic ointments are needed when an infection is attached. Medications to take orally or intramuscular injection do not apply.
Blockades. With severe intolerable itching, an alcohol-novocaine blockade of the pudendal nerve can be performed.
Immunotherapy. Connection pathological process with changes in immunity leads to the conclusion that appropriate corrective therapy is needed. Assign "Taktivin", "Timalin", "Polyoxidonium". Sometimes drugs are used plant origin e.g. echinacea tincture. Contraindications for immunotherapy - the presence of oncological pathologies.

Non-invasive treatments are also used.

laser therapy. Treatment of vulvar kraurosis with a low-intensity laser is one of the modern techniques. Irradiation is carried out in sessions, the duration of the courses is individual. Already after four or five procedures, the severity of itching is significantly reduced, gradually the mucous membrane acquires a healthier appearance.
Phototepapia. The method of photodynamic therapy consists in the introduction of intravenous photosensitizers - drugs that increase the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Then the area of the vulva is exposed to radiation. At the same time, active oxygen and radicals are released, which damage the altered cells, while healthy ones are left intact. The consequences of photodynamics of vulvar kraurosis speak of high efficiency method.

Also used are methods such as:

radiotherapy;
reflexology;
balneotherapy.

If conservative therapy did not bring results, are saved severe symptoms disease, then move on to more effective methods treatment:

cryodestruction;
laser ablation;
denervation of the vulva.

If degeneration into a tumor is suspected, surgical excision of the foci is performed, followed by histological examination. If necessary, treatment can be supplemented with radiation and chemotherapy.

The course of treatment is complemented by a change in lifestyle and diet. It is necessary to carry out full hygiene procedures before applying creams and ointments. The diet involves the exclusion of irritating foods: chocolate, coffee, alcohol, sour, spicy, salty. It is also necessary to correctly approach the choice of underwear, avoid overheating and stress.

Kraurosis of the vulva in women is an intractable pathology. Prevention of the disease is possible in the form of personal hygiene, timely treatment of gynecological and somatic pathologies, control of diabetes and correction of body weight with its excess. In order to notice the malignancy of the process in time, you need to visit a gynecologist at least once a year. self-apply folk methods treatments are not always effective. This is also evidenced by the reviews of women who have tried everything on themselves.

Kraurosis is referred to dystrophic lesions vulva. The disease manifests itself most often during menopause and during menopause. With kraurosis of the vulva, atrophy and hyperkeratosis of the stratified squamous epithelium occur, the growth of coarse connective tissue leading to deformation and reduction of the external genital organs.

There are three stages in the development of vulvar kraurosis. At the first stage Kraurosis of the vulva is marked by swelling and redness of the genital organs caused by impaired microcirculation and tissue hypoxia.

In the second stage kraurosis of the vulva appears dryness, roughness of the skin and mucous membranes, tissue elasticity deteriorates, whitish scales appear (lichenification); flattened small and large labia.

The third stage of kraurosis the vulva is characterized complete atrophy and the development of cicatricial sclerosis of the external genital organs. The tissues shrink, leading to a sharp decrease in the volume of the labia minora and labia majora, clitoris, narrowing of the vagina, external opening of the urethra and anus. Kraurosis of the vulva in the stage of sclerosis creates difficulties and causes pain during intercourse, sometimes during urination and defecation.

Hence another name for kraurosis is lichen sclerosus.

The occurrence of deep, poorly healing cracks in vulvar kraurosis can easily be complicated by infection. Often, vulvar kraurosis is accompanied by leukoplakia, which increases the risk of malignant degeneration.

Causes of the development of kraurosis of the vulva

Kraurosis of the vulva occurs as inadequate response surface layers stratified squamous epithelium on various factors.

With kraurosis of the vulva, neuroendocrine disorders are often found: a decrease in the function of the adrenal cortex, ovaries, thyroid gland, pituitary gland.

In most cases, kraurosis occurs during and after menopause, and at a young age - after surgical interventions on the genitals, thyroid gland.

It is possible that there chronic infections women's sphere and the existence of a long-term persistent infection: human papillomavirus, herpes virus.

Often women with this disease suffer diabetes, overweight, pathology of the thyroid gland, other endocrine disorders.

There are observations that kraurosis has psychosomatic roots, that is, it is the body's reaction to mental trauma, voltage, stressful situations. More often, kraurosis occurs in women with a reduced background of mood, who often feel depressed, experience a strong resentment for loved ones, for men, for the whole world. There is a rejection of feminine or suppression of sexuality, negative attitudes towards sexual matters, or feelings of guilt for the appearance of intimate desires.

IN Lately an autoimmune mechanism for the development of the disease is not excluded.

Rarely enough, when establishing the diagnosis of "Kraurosis vulva", it is possible to establish the exact cause of its occurrence.

Kraurosis treatment:

Firstly, before any treatment, you need to make sure that you have this particular disease, and secondly: you need to exclude the presence of an infection - take tests for pathogenic microflora PCR method(this is now done in all laboratories). You must be sure that you do not have a bacterial, viral or candidal infection.

If you are not going to use in the treatment chemicals, hormone therapy, laser therapy, or these methods have already been tried and have not justified themselves, then you have the opportunity to do treatment with folk remedies and homeopathy, which I will discuss later.

However, I would like to note that the treatment of kraurosis is a long process, there is no panacea and a specific remedy for this disease, there are periods of remission and exacerbations, despite all the treatment. This applies as usual chemicals and treatment with homeopathy and herbal medicine. The treatment process proceeds in waves, with periods of remission and exacerbations. But the advantages of folk remedies and homeopathy are that such therapy does not damage, heals the entire body safely, periods of remission are longer and exacerbations become less intense and painful over time.

Treatment hormonal drugs and ointments, as well as photodynamic, laser therapy have many negative side effects and an unstable effect, a lot has been said about this, I will not repeat it. Immunotherapy is also not safe, so it must be used with caution, perhaps the stimulation is not quite what is needed for a person.

Experience in one of the most popular ways local treatment are ointments: methyluracil + levomikol (or levosin) in mixed form, pre-sanitization with chlorhexidine. Methyluracil is one of the strongest regenerating drugs in combination with the anti-inflammatory effect of levomicol at first positive effect, but after a while the symptoms of the disease return, and these ointments no longer work!

As I already said, there are no standard schemes in the treatment of kraurosis, since the causes and course of the disease are very different in different patients.

1. General recommendations: it is necessary to observe the regime of work and rest: do not overwork, avoid stressful situations if possible, get enough sleep, be at least 2 hours a day fresh air. And it is very important: to have a positive attitude in any situation and to do what you like more often, which helps to relax and unwind. Think about pleasant things more often, dream about what you want, and surround yourself with pleasant things and people! Not a day without pleasure for yourself!

2. Diet: Very Important proper nutrition. From the diet are excluded: coffee, chocolate, alcohol - in any form! Do not take: hot spices, salt, sugar, sour, fatty foods, fried food, smoked and containing preservatives. These foods are often the cause of the itching themselves. Sweets are also not recommended, including white bread, rolls.

On the contrary, freshly squeezed juices should be included in the menu: apple, orange, carrot, celery and parsley. You can combine them. Juice is best drunk in the morning, before meals, diluted a little with water.

Every day you need to use low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, acidophilus or fermented baked milk. Food should contain complete protein: lean meat, chicken, fish. Moreover, preference should be given to fish and seafood (but not salted and smoked). You can eat nuts (walnuts, almonds). Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits in fresh, lettuce leaves.

Naturopathy also considers kraurosis as a deficiency of vitamins A and E, which contributes to the drying of the mucous membrane of the vulva and unbearable itching. Therefore, to provide the body with vitamins A and E, you can prepare carotene oil: grate carrots on a coarse grater, pour olive or corn oil and cook in a water bath for 10 minutes. Cool, strain, take a tablespoon with juice. This oil can also lubricate the affected areas.

3. With kraurosis, you need to drink enough water (1-1.5 liters per day), it is best to drink spring water because it contains a lot of oxygen. But it is difficult to get such water in a metropolis, so you can buy water from Slovakia in a pharmacy: Stelmas with active oxygen or Stelmas zinc, selenium, I also recommend Sulinka with silicon. Water has good organoleptic properties and contains trace elements and oxygen.

4. Folk remedies, which have proven themselves well: I want to immediately note that all folk methods of treating kraurosis are good only if they are used systematically for a long time:

A. A decoction of flowers of calendula, chamomile, celandine or string for baths is made.
You can use these herbs in turn, choose the most suitable for yourself, which best relieves itching and promotes healing. Warm baths are used for 10 minutes. It is advisable to take baths daily at night or every other day. On other days, instead of baths, you can wash with cool infusions of these herbs.

B. Parsley compresses: parsley greens are taken, finely rubbed to gruel, a little bit of small cooking or sea salt, protein chicken egg. Everything needs to be connected and kept in a cold place. From the resulting mass, compresses are made on sore spots.

C. Washing with tar soap, which relieves itching, and then treat sore spots sea buckthorn oil, fir oil or baby cream (unscented). You can also use baby cream before intimacy. While at home, try to walk in a skirt, without underwear, so that enough air enters the mucous membrane of the vulva.

G. Infusion of herbs. Take in equal amounts the following herbs: wormwood, oregano, upland uterus, brew 1 tablespoon per 200 ml of boiling water, insist 1 hour, then drink this entire solution during the day. Duration of admission is not less than three months.

Homeopathic remedies for the treatment of vulvar kraurosis:

Homeopathic treatment for kraurosis is selected individually! Everyone has different reasons the onset of the disease, different reactivity, individual characteristics organisms to be taken into account. In fact, we select drugs for this woman as a whole, with all her illnesses and manifestations, we are looking for a guiding thread in the labyrinth of symptoms. Everyone gets sick differently and the appointments, therefore, will be different. But there is one thing we can recommend to everyone.

For example, German Traumeel C ointment or gel of the same name, for external use. Removes redness, inflammation, swelling and itching of the mucosa. Has no negative side effects.

You can also use intramuscular injections ampoule homeopathic remedies of the same German company "Heel": Ubiquinone compositum, Coenzyme compositum, Mucosa compositum, Traumeel C, if necessary, add Lymphomyosot, Hepar compositum, etc. Choice injectables, the frequency and duration of the course of injections, we determine at the reception. But these very effective means is not always enough.

In addition to all of the above, it is necessary to choose a homeopathic monopreparation that will build the entire defense system in the body and help eliminate damage or deficiency of the necessary biologically active factors. Taking into account the whole complex of measures, we achieve good results at least long-term remission.

There is an opinion that kraurosis has psychosomatic roots, that is, it is the body's reaction to stressful situations. Quite often, kraurosis develops in women suffering from depression, depression, rejection of themselves and the world around them, which grow from a negative attitude towards sexual issues. Rarely enough, when establishing such a diagnosis, it turns out to discover the reason that provoked it.

One of the dangers of kraurosis is that it creates excellent conditions for development oncological diseases. Thus, vulvar cancer in patients with kraurosis develops on average in thirty-five percent of cases.

Although the disease is quite common, there is not much information about it in special sources. That is why even at the consultation of a gynecologist it is not always possible to get comprehensive information about your illness. Women suffering from this disease sometimes do not understand at all which doctor's consultation they need. In this regard, they often first go for a consultation with a venereologist, after an oncologist or dermatologist. And only the last on the list is a gynecologist.

Main symptom diseases - itching of the external genital organs. A similar, often the only, symptom in other diseases. For example, with cervicitis, vulvitis, proctitis, vaginitis, pinworms, a symptom of diseases is itching, which increases at night. Gradually, signs of atrophy of the external genital organs appear. These are symptoms of kraurosis, which is very often combined with leukoplakia. This disease is characterized by keratinization of the mucous membranes, plaques of light color develop on the vulvar mucosa, the edges of which are slightly raised above the level of the skin. These plaques in diameter can be from a millimeter to two centimeters. Only one plaque can form, or maybe several, which are interconnected. If the disease develops in diffuse form, large lesions are formed that can cover almost the entire surface of the vulva.

Sometimes diseases are associated pathogenic microorganisms, which further complicates their course. In the presence of an infection, the mucous membrane is swollen, reddened, there may be white patches and films. Diseases occur in chronic form with constant relapses.

Therapy of kraurosis and leukoplakia is for the most part maintaining the patient's body and reducing the strength of the manifestation of diseases. Usually, treatment includes medication, physiotherapy, diet, and the help of a psychotherapist. But to date, it is not possible to completely cure these diseases.