title: Silent no more! The lived experiences of women with lichen sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Lichen Sclerosis (LS) is an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed chronic inflammatory skin condition of the anogenital area that affects quality of life, bringing severe discomfort and distress to affected men, women, and children. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences of women with LS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Content analysis was conducted of data obtained from three public online forums/blogs used by women with LS. A total of 527 postings/entries were analyzed for patterns and themes by four researchers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Five core themes emerged as a result of this study, revealing feelings of frustration and despair stemming from healthcare providers' lack of knowledge in relation to Lichen Sclerosis, often leading to misdiagnosis, prolonged suffering, and an altered quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledgeable healthcare providers and additional research into the cause, treatment, and cure of Lichen Sclerosis are needed. Advance-practice nurses stand to play an important role in the areas of education, research, policy making, and clinical practice to advocate for and empower women with LS.
authors: Department of Nursing, School of Health Professions and Studies, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan 48502-1950, USA. hiba@umflint.edu
authors: Hiba
authors: H
authors: Wehbe-Alamah
authors: Barbara L
authors: BL
authors: Kornblau
authors: JoAnn
authors: J
authors: Haderer
authors: Janetlynne
authors: J
authors: Erickson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones