You may be dealing with painful, itchy, or thinning skin in your genital area. Perhaps you've even noticed white patches, irritation, or discomfort during intimacy. These symptoms might come and go, making it all the more frustrating to pinpoint what’s going on. If you’ve been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus or suspect you may have it, you already know how it can deeply affect your quality of life and intimate relationships.
At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we understand how challenging this condition can be, both physically and emotionally. That’s why we offer regenerative treatments that provide lasting relief. One of the most promising non-surgical therapies for managing lichen sclerosus is the P-Shot®, or Priapus Shot. In this article, we’ll explore what lichen sclerosus is, what symptoms to look out for, and how the P-Shot can help you find relief and healing.
What is lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the genital and anal areas. Though it can impact men and women, it tends to be more common in women, especially postmenopausal individuals. The exact cause remains unknown, but autoimmune factors, hormonal imbalances, and genetics may contribute to its development.
The condition causes the skin in affected areas to become thin, white, and fragile. Over time, it can lead to scarring, pain, itching, and discomfort, especially during sexual activity or when using the bathroom. While topical corticosteroids are often prescribed to manage symptoms, they don’t address the root causes or restore the skin's natural function and health.
Common signs & symptoms of lichen sclerosus:
- Persistent itching in the genital or anal area
- White, patchy areas of skin
- Thinning or tearing of the skin
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Bleeding or blistering of the affected skin
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Loss of normal skin texture or elasticity
- Tightening or shrinking of genital tissue over time
- Scarring or adhesions that change anatomy
- Burning sensation or sensitivity
How does the P-Shot help with lichen sclerosus?
The P-Shot, or Priapus Shot, is a regenerative treatment that uses your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to promote healing and tissue rejuvenation. PRP is derived from a small sample of your blood, processed to concentrate platelets, growth factors, and healing proteins. Once injected into the affected area, this concentrated serum stimulates natural regeneration at the cellular level, improving blood flow, tissue strength, and skin health.
Unlike steroid creams, the P-Shot taps into your body’s own repair mechanisms. This makes it particularly effective for chronic inflammatory conditions like lichen sclerosus. Here’s how:
Stimulates tissue regeneration and thickening
One of the hallmark symptoms of lichen sclerosus is skin thinning, which makes the tissue fragile and prone to tearing. PRP from the P-Shot helps reverse this by stimulating fibroblasts and collagen production, promoting tissue regeneration and skin thickening. Over time, this can lead to healthier, more resilient skin that’s less likely to tear or scar.
Reduces inflammation naturally
Lichen sclerosus is driven by chronic inflammation. The growth factors in PRP have anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the immune response in the affected tissue. By reducing local inflammation without the side effects of steroids, the P-Shot can improve comfort and reduce flare-ups, helping you manage the condition over time.
Enhances blood flow and oxygenation
The P-Shot promotes angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels. Improved blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue, which helps accelerate healing and promotes overall skin vitality. Better circulation also supports sexual function, which can be compromised by discomfort or tissue changes associated with lichen sclerosus.
Improves sexual function and comfort
Painful intercourse is a common issue with lichen sclerosis, which can lead to sexual dysfunction in your relationship. By healing the tissue, improving sensitivity, and increasing elasticity, the P-Shot can enhance intimacy, making it comfortable and pleasurable. Many patients also report improved erectile quality or sexual response, making the treatment beneficial beyond symptom relief.
Prevents progression and scarring
If left untreated, lichen sclerosus can cause progressive scarring and structural changes to the genitals. The regenerative properties of PRP may slow or stop this progression by maintaining tissue flexibility. Early intervention with the P-Shot may help preserve function and appearance.
Minimally invasive with long-lasting results
Unlike surgical interventions or ongoing steroid treatments, the P-Shot is a simple, outpatient procedure that uses your body’s own cells to create long-lasting improvement. Most patients experience relief within weeks, with continued improvement over months as new tissue forms.
Living with lichen sclerosus can feel isolating and even painful, but you don’t have to settle for chronic discomfort. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we specialize in cutting-edge, patient-focused solutions, such as the P-Shot, that address the root of the problem. Schedule a consultation at one of our nationwide Genesis Lifestyle Medicine locations to find out if the P-Shot is right for your lichen sclerosus treatment plan.
