Patient's question:
My vulvar leukoplakia has been undergoing Haimixing physical therapy for nearly a month. I need to go for a follow-up check-up in three months. If it hasn't improved, I'll have to undergo another round of Haimixing physical therapy. This treatment doesn't involve oral medication. Is it necessary to take some oral medication? I also want to ask the doctor if this treatment can fully restore it. If it can't fully restore it, does it pose a threat to life?First follow-up question: (Please answer according to what I asked, thank you)
Doctor's answer:
Vulvar leukoplakia refers to localized or diffuse white patches on the skin of the female genital area, which can spread to the inner thighs, perineum, and anus but rarely affect the urethral opening or vestibule. Symptoms include itching in the genital area, dry skin, thickening and whitening, loss of elasticity, and even atrophy and ulceration, accompanied by pain and a burning sensation. Clinical examination reveals atypical cell hyperplasia, which falls under the of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) conditions such as "Yin Yang," "Yin Pain," and "Yin Itching." These conditions are often caused by damp-heat from the Liver meridian descending to invade the vulva, or by blood deficiency leading to Liver hyperactivity, Kidney-Yin deficiency, or Kidney-Yang exhaustion, all of which result in insufficient nourishment of the vulva. Vulvar itching may sometimes be accompanied by a burning or painful sensation. Vulvar leukoplakia is also known as leukoplakia of the vulva, a chronic nutritional deficiency disease of the external genitalia. It includes primary vulvar atrophy, atrophic lichen sclerosus, vulvar leukoplakia, leukoplakic vaginitis, and vulvar xerosis. Clinicians typically classify conditions where the skin and mucosa become white, thickened, and atrophic as vulvar leukoplakia. In TCM, it is referred to as "Yin Xian," "Yin Chuang," "Yin Shi," and "Yin Tong," and it is considered a precancerous lesion. TCM treats this condition based on its specific pathological features and clinical symptoms, categorizing it under "Yin Yang" and "Yin Chuang." "Yin Yang" with wind and "Yin Chuang" with damp-heat retention.Being diagnosed with vulvar leukoplakia indeed brings significant suffering and inconvenience to patients and their families. However, many individuals with this condition are unaware of the precautions they should take in daily life. Therefore, it is important to remind patients to pay attention to the following:
(1) Wear loose, breathable underwear and pants, preferably made of pure cotton, and avoid synthetic materials like polyester.
(2) Keep the affected area dry, well-ventilated, and cool.
(3) Some women overclean, washing their external genitalia once or several times a day. It is recommended that since the female vulva has self-cleaning properties, washing 2-3 times a week is sufficient. Avoid using any detergents (as they are usually alkaline) and rinse only with lukewarm water. Avoid excessively hot water.
(4) Pay attention to managing daily stress and emotions, maintaining a positive attitude and cheerful mood. In this regard, family members should actively support patients to help them build confidence in overcoming the disease.