Lichen Sclerosus Diet: What to Eat and Avoid

Following a lichen sclerosus diet may ease some of the symptoms associated with this chronic skin condition.

The condition itself isn’t well understood, but some health experts believe it’s caused by autoimmune issues. Avoiding certain foods, such as those high in oxalates, may help ease symptoms. Common symptoms include skin irritation and itching, bruising, and bleeding or blistering, according to Mayo Clinic.

This condition typically affects the skin around the vulva and anus in women and around the top of the penis in men. It most commonly affects women over the age of 50, but men, women under 50, and children can experience it, too.

In addition to diet, treatments can include corticosteroids, other creams, or surgery, in some cases. It’s important to talk with your doctor about the right options for you.

The link between lichen sclerosus and diet is not well understood, and studies remain inconclusive.

Some health experts suggest avoiding foods high in oxalates to ease vulval pain, according to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. High levels of oxalates in the urine may cause vulvar burning and irritate the skin.

According to the Urology Group of Virginia, high-oxalate foods include:

• Almonds
• Bagels
• Baked potato with skin
• Beets
• Bran flakes with raisins
• Buckwheat groats
• Bulgur
• Cashews
• Chocolate
• Corn grits
• French fries
• Navy beans
• Miso soup
• Okra
• Raspberries
• Rhubarb
• Spinach
• Soybeans

It may be a good idea to try a low-oxalate diet to see if this helps improve your symptoms.

According to Urology San Antonio, foods low in oxalates include:

• Canned peaches and pears
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Endive
• Kohlrabi
• Mushrooms
• Peas
• Radishes
• Water chestnuts
• Desserts without chocolate or nuts
• Fish
• Meat
• Poultry
• White or wild rice

Calcium binds to oxalates, notes the National Kidney Foundation. So eating calcium-rich foods may help reduce the amount of oxalates absorbed by your body.

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, foods high in calcium include:

• Canned salmon
• Milk (nonfat or whole)
• Cheese
• Cottage cheese

The following diet tips may help manage symptoms of lichen sclerosus:

1. Consider Adopting an Autoimmune Protocol Diet

There isn’t a recommended lichen sclerosus diet. But according to Cleveland Clinic, many health experts believe that this condition is an autoimmune disease and may also be linked to hormonal changes. So a diet designed to manage inflammation and triggers, like the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet, could potentially help with symptoms, Cleveland Clinic notes.

The AIP diet consists of an elimination phase during which you’ll remove grains, legumes, nightshades, dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, nuts and seeds, refined sugars, and processed foods from your diet.

According to Cleveland Clinic, you’ll maintain this diet for four to six weeks. From there, you’ll slowly reintroduce these foods to observe if your symptoms return.

This type of elimination diet can be tricky to do on your own, so it’s a good idea to enlist the help of your doctor or a dietitian to make sure you’re still getting the nutrients you need.

2. Add a Calcium Citrate Supplement

Since calcium binds to oxalates in your body, you may want to take a supplement if you don’t get enough of this nutrient in your diet. Be sure to speak with your physician first to determine if one is right for you.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. According to Mayo Clinic, doing so will help you stay hydrated and promote skin health, as well as flush out toxins. Aim to drink 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water daily.