Plant Medicine and Lichen Sclerosus: Hope, Hype, or the Real Deal?

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory skin condition that’s as frustrating as it is mysterious. It causes intense itching, thinning skin, discomfort during sex, and a host of other unpleasant symptoms. The go-to treatment? High-potency corticosteroids. Effective? Yes. But they come with long-term risks like skin thinning and resistance over time.

Enter cannabinoids—CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol)—the rising stars of anti-inflammatory and skin-healing science. Could they be the game-changer LS patients have been waiting for? Let’s break it down.

How CBD and CBG May Help LS Symptoms

Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in regulating inflammation, pain, and skin health. While we don’t have a direct study on LS (yet!), research suggests that CBD and CBG could help in several ways:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

LS is an inflammatory condition, and cannabinoids are known inflammation busters. Studies show that CBD and CBG can reduce inflammatory cytokines—the troublemakers responsible for the redness, irritation, and discomfort. (PMC10672037)

2. Anti-Itch Properties

If LS has you scratching like a cat at a closed door, cannabinoids might offer relief. CBD has been shown to calm overactive nerve signals in the skin, reducing the relentless itching that plagues LS sufferers. (PMC7759267)

3. Skin Barrier Repair and Wound Healing

LS weakens the skin over time, leading to tearing, scarring, and pain. CBD is already being explored for its ability to improve skin barrier function, promote cell regeneration, and reduce scarring—all things LS patients desperately need.

CBD Lube: A Secret Weapon for LS?

If you’re dealing with LS in sensitive areas, the idea of applying anything new might sound like a gamble. But a CBD-infused lubricant? That’s worth considering.

Why?

• Moisturization & Protection – Keeps the skin hydrated and reduces friction.

• Pain Reduction – The analgesic effects of cannabinoids could make intimacy more comfortable.

• Reduced Inflammation – Applying cannabinoids topically can help soothe irritation right where you need it.

• Sexual Comfort – LS can make sex painful, but a high-quality, CBD-infused lube could make all the difference.

While a community-driven study ranked CBD as the 7th most effective LS treatment among 892 options, (StuffThatWorks) we still need clinical trials to confirm just how powerful it can be.

So, What’s There to Lose?

CBD and CBG aren’t miracle cures, but the science is pointing in the right direction. A tincture for internal support and a topical for targeted relief? Sounds like a solid 1-2 punch against LS.

The worst-case scenario? It doesn’t work, and you’re left with ultra-hydrated, nourished skin. The best-case scenario? Less itching, less pain, and a major upgrade in comfort.

Bottom line: You won’t know until you try.