🤩 Are you LICHEN the lichens?! But… what is a lichen?! They are a composite organism, where fungus and algae or cyanobacteria partner in a mutually beneficial relationship. The fungus provides structure, protection, and moisture retention, while the algae or cyanobacteria produces food through photosynthesis. Lichens grow all around the world on rocks, vegetation, soil, fences, and sidewalks. They grow very slowly, sometimes only a few millimeters per year, and many species live for decades or

Please don’t ignore vulvar itching! Lichen sclerosus is a common condition that causes itchy patches of skin. In women, these may occur on the vulva. This often goes undiagnosed for years because women are often too embarrassed to tell their doctor about their symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause a lifetime of debilitating itch and painful genital scarring. Fortunately, treatment generally reduces and, in some cases, eliminates symptoms and future scarring. I included a photo that is not on