Vulvar leukoplakia can be divided into hyperplastic type and lichen sclerosus type

Vulvar leukoplakia is mostly caused by malnutrition and can be divided into hyperplastic malnutrition and lichen sclerosus malnutrition. The symptoms of these two types of vulvar leukoplakia patients are different.

Hyperplastic dystrophy

Hyperplastic dystrophic vulvar leukoplakia usually occurs in women aged 30 to 60 years old. Its main symptoms are unbearable itching of the vulva, which is often accompanied by local pain after scratching. The lesions mainly affect the labia majora, the groove between the labia majora, the clitoral hood and the posterior symphysis, and are often symmetrical. The skin of the affected area is thickened like leather, with raised wrinkles or scales. The color of the vulva is mostly dark red or pink with clearly defined white patches.

Lichen sclerosus dystrophy

Vulvar leukoplakia of lichen sclerosus type dystrophy can occur in women aged 10 to 40 years old. Its main symptoms are itching in the affected area and dyspareunia in the late stage. The lesions can affect the patient's vulvar skin, mucous membranes and perianal skin. In addition to the skin or mucous membranes becoming white and thin, dry and cracked, and losing elasticity, the clitoris is often atrophied. In the late stage, the skin is thin and wrinkled like cigarette paper. The vaginal opening is contracted and narrow and can only accommodate fingertips. Younger patients often feel discomfort in the vulva and perianal area after urination or defecation. Keyhole-shaped, pearly, yellow, mottled or white lesions appear in the vulva and perianal area. However, when the patients reach puberty, the lesions can disappear on their own. In some postmenopausal female patients, the vulvar skin can become thinner and brighter, and there is mild tingling, itching and dyspareunia.