An Experiment with Borax

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis but glad you found our thread. As I always advise, be sure to take photos. It will hlep you see if/when change happens. And if it does happen, the photos will help you in those times this all feels so overwleming. Any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Dear alistar - You really are a STAR!!  Your pen-name suits you XX  I have read with huge interest all you have been saying, and obviously you have given a lot of hope to many others, not just me!  I only wish i had found your "thread" on this Site earlier ... maybe I wouldn't be in the mess that I find myself.  I also have a weird form of Diverticulitis, which adds to this huge problem, as I am constantly having to go to the "loo" and even the so-called softest of all toilet papers is making me very, very sore indeed with constant visits ..... I am feeling very, very sorry for myself.  No fun when you are nearly 78 ......

There was a discussion on here a while ago about the chemicals in toilet paper. It may not be the softness that's upsetting you. Some have formaldehyde in them, and bleaches too. Maybe keep trying different brands to see if you can find one that suits you better. The more 'luxurious' brands are some of the worst apparently, if I remember right. Also you could try to find unbleached paper in a health food shop. Think of it as 'medicine' rather than 'toilet paper,' as they're bound to be more expensive. Good luck, we all know how wretched you can feel with this, and hope you find some relief soon.

Dear Bridge of Sighs - thank you for this advivce.  I shall start my search!!

Hi Bridge and Cheneslieges, I found some toilet paper (Green2) on Amazon that’s chlorine/dioxin-free.  If you buy in bulk it’s actually cheaper than regular paper because it has more sheets on a roll (1,000).  Not sure if you can get it in the UK, but if not, there are probably other brands.  Just don’t get recycled paper, which is loaded with BPA!

Hi everyone. I am a newbie here on this thread. I have question. Is it possible to use Borax or Baking Soda and the steroids? I'm 76, was diagnosed with LS a year ago. My GP gave me hydrocortisone 1% and told me to use it twice a day. That's all. So, for a year that's all I've been using. I wash at night with Vagisil (non-soap), rinse with warm water, and apply my cortisone. Every time I try to use an emollient in between the cortisone, everything seems to shrink even more. I've tried Castor Oil and Coconut Oil, but revert back to the cortisone. My inner labia are half fused and my opening is getting smaller from top to bottom. I want to try the Borax or Baking Soda, but still want to keep the cortison. I also want to get a vaginal dilator. Is that all possible? Have to wait 8 months to get into the Vulva Clinic.

Hi Micheline, I don't use any steroids and have had great sucess with baking soda baths and the borax applications.  I also soak for about 20 minutes a few times a week with 1/6 cup of borax in the tub. 

I think hydrocortisone is an anti-itch product, so I doubt that it would help with fusing.  Since starting the baking soda and borax treatments, my fusing has come undone and my itching has gone.  For me, it took several months for the unfusing, but the itching stopped right away.  If I were you, I'd stop the Vagisil cleanser and only use water.  You really don't need a cleansing product, and who knows what chemicals are in them.. It's amazing how clean you are after tub soaks. It might be good to wait until the itching stops before you start with the dilator, but after that, it's a good idea. 

So, in answer to your question, you could probably use the hydrocortisone with the baking soda and borax, but I doubt that you'll need it anymore after you find relief with the baking soda  and the borax treatments.

Hi Anna,

So nice of you to reply. You are probably right about the cortisone. The GP I go to never said anything about that. Last night, before I went to bed, I noticed quite a bit of white around the clitoris. So, I used what I had, the cortisone. Don't know what else to use for that. I think it made it worse and actually tightened up the whole area.

There's no itch, pain, just a little of a hot feeling, but not burning. I can't imagine I've been taking this for itch for nothing for months now. It's affecting my hands also. I tried using gloves, but find it too hard and I ended up putting too much.

Can you tell me your whole process? And from that, I will adjust it for me. It's just to have something to start with. Like, when are you using the baking soda soaks, how much, for how long, how many times a week. Do you alternate the days with the borax soaks? 

Thank you so much Anna

 

Hi Micheline,

When I was first diagnosed, a little over a year ago, I discovered that half of one of my labia minora was gone and the rest of it was solid white.  I was scared to death but thank God, I found this site. I started with the baking soda baths every night (1/3 cup in the tub) and soaked for about 20 minutes.  The itching stopped right away.  Then sweet Alistar came along with the Borax treatment (swabbing on the saturated solution every morning and night).  After a while someone else (Hanny?) suggested putting the Borax in the tub too (1/6 cup), so I alternated between the baking soda baths and the borax baths.  It's been a year now and the part of my labia that had disappeared has returned, and the white part is now a healthy pink.

Everyone is different, but I still alternate with the baking soda baths and the borax treatments or baths.  From what I can tell, this is something that will always need to be maintained, but after a while it's no big deal.  I think it was Hanny who suggested putting a few pinches of baking soda in a perineum bottle and rinsing each time you use the bathroom.  That has helped too.

It's also helpful to only wear cotton panties, only loose fitting slacks or skirts, no soap, and watching your diet.  Try to eliminate acidic foods, wheat, dairy and sugar.  Some people are more sensitive than others with the foods we eat. Don't forget to apply oils (coconut, emu or almond work for me) several times a day.  I switch off every week with a different oil.

One last thing, I also purchased toilet paper on-line that is not bleached with chlorine, which can expose you to toxic chemicals. The brand I bought was Green2, but there are other brands.

If there's one thing I've learned on this site, it's that most doctors don't really know a lot about this condition.  Fortunately, these lovely ladies do and have bravely shared their discoveries with us all.

LS is a terrifying disease, especially upon first diagnosis, and even more terrifying is reading up on it...unless you read this thread! This thread can really help start allaying some of the fear. And more importantly the stress, which for most of us is a huge trigger. Some great advice has been given by Anna, and you'll find so much in this thread. I was terrified when I stopped using my steroid cream and started this experiment. But being in Vietnam and not knowing what I'd be able to get my hands on, I knew I needed another option. The borax treatment has been a dream come true for me, and for many.

Now my treatment process is seriously just the saturated solution in a bottled that I spritz on after most toilet visits - I sometimes get lazy about it, but as I've not had a flare-up in I don't know how long, I just don't worry so much. And I guess that "laziness" in itself is an experiment, to see how my body does now that I've released the stress related to LS and allow myself to be calm and healthy. Many women have detailed their daily regimes, so read through there's just so much wonderful information here! And I've send this so many times, but I always stress, take pictures when you start your regime, it will genuinely help you assess what's happening.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Thank you ladies!  Previously I have always only used the Clob.  But lately my condition was spreading and seemed to have gotten worse.  I bought some Borax at Walmart for about $4...and can see a big improvement already!  Strange that this product does wonders??!

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm afraid I didn't do too well yesterday with the baking soda bath. It was ok while doing it, but afterwards, during the night, I noticed that I had shrunk even more scaring me a lot. I tried stretching with my fingers scared the opening was closing on me. It also felt hot down there, no burning, just a bit hot. I didn't use the steroids at all -- only coconut oil.

I also ordered some vaginal dilators from Amazon and receiving them in a couple of days on Tuesday. I thank so much Hanna for that. I'm so scared of closing up. Now I don't know what lubricant to use with the dilators. I'm afraid of an infection from their use, but have to try something to stay open. 

I had to go back on the steroids. It seems to be the only thing that stabilizes it and stops it from shrinking more. Have an appointment with my GP on Monday. Can't wait to see what she tells me.

Thank you Anna for your reply. I'm still going to take a soak this afternoon with the baking soda, but this time I'll put less. Maybe I used too much.

Hi Alistar,

Thanks so much for your message. It doesn't seem to work for me, but I'll give it another try this afternoon along with the steroid. Don't forget my GP never put me on a regimen with the Hydrocortisone 1% which is a mild steriod. A year ago, she just gave me the prescription for it and told me to apply it twice a day. I went home and because I wasn't in pain and quickly stopped the itch, I applied it once a day. Have been doing that for a year with no emollient. It's when I started noticing the fusion and shrinkage that I raced back to the GP. She delayed me because she didn't examine me because too many patients. Then I called and told her I wanted to go to the Vulva clinic. She gave me an appointment to examine me and said she didn't like what she saw and made a request to the Vulva clinic. I had to call that clinic to find out when and it's in 8 months. I should have been put on a regimen with a stronger steriod with a tapering off schedule like I've read everywhere. Now, I don't know what's going to happen. For me, it doesn't feel normal down there, it's not the pain or itch, it's the terrifying shrinking and fusion.

Thank you Alistar

 

Alistar,

Do you know why the Borax was banned in England? I noted that and I'm leary to use it because of that.

I use coconut oil for lubricant with dilation, 1/3 cup  baking soda in bath.

My thoughts: the power of the pharmaceutical industry

Hi hanny,

Thanks so much. If you've been using coconut oil for dilation for many years, then it must be safe to use inside the vagina. Yes, 1/3 cup would have been better for me. I used 1/2 cup and I think it was too much for me.

I ordered the dilator from Amazon and receiving it in 3 days on Tuesday. Thank you so much for giving me that valuable information. I'm closing fast, so that will be a godsend if it gets here in time. This is so scary to see. Anyway, being alone, have to try something. 

Thanks.

Also - with the baths - expect some 'strange' sensations afterwards: LS in reverse.

Oh hanny, I can only hope. As long as it's not shrinkage and/or fusion. Strange sensations like what? Right after the first attempts?

Going to the store to look for Emu oil to interchange with the coconut oil. I understand it has vitamin E in it. Worth a try.

Because its an eye irritant there is an eu directive which stops it being used in things like shower gel and shampoo.

 Its not actually banned, you can legally buy it if it is sold with the correct warnings.

Sensations like I had felt before, only then I didn't  know it was LS.

Hi Nelsmydog,

Thanks for letting me know what it was. Still leary about it. If it's an irritant for the eyes, why not for tender skin? It's baffling to say the least. Not going against what you're saying, mind you. But right now, I feel so vulnerable.

Hi hanny,

I find this disease so strange. I'm trying not to apply too much steroid, so I applied some castor oil. After a while, I looked and I had some unfusion, quite a bit actually. So, before I went to the store to get Emu oil, I put some more on. I was out for a couple of hours. When I came back, I looked and the fusion was back on. Don't know what to do with this beast. Like I said before, it acts like it has a mind of its own. Was it the oil? Was it the tomato sandwich I had with mayo? Not sure what makes it act that way. I think I have a lot of experimenting to do.

Thanks for talking to me. I feel we are friends already. I live in Ontario. Don't know if we're allowed to say that. Thanks.

Hi Micheline, I am 74 and diagnosed last yea, it was quite upsetting! This forum has helped SO much in reducing my stress and giving me the information and support I needed!

I have had excellent results using the Borax in a Sitz bath, about 1 tablespoon (I don't like baths) and applying the Saturated solution a few times a day. I also purchased the dialators as Hanny suggested and am seeing excellent results. I too switch moisturizer?s between: coconut oil, almond oil olive and Vitamin E.

As to your question about Borax, I suggest you check on the web, "health uses for Borax" and "medical uses for Borax". It will be very informative and interesting reading! God bless you

Hi joanna,

So nice to hear from you. You're seeking me out at a good time. I have a question. My labia minora change colors sometimes. Like right now when I looked the lower of the small labia are very very dark, almost black. Would that be the castor oil, or the coconut oil? Have you ever experienced that. I'm so scared to see that. I've seen it before and then it fades away, but comes back.

God bless you joanna. By the way, I'm 76.

Borax is  a mineral. 

Has this ever happened to you hanna? The lower part of my inside labia turn dark. Should I worry about this? Has anyone else experienced this?

Hi Micheline, I'm not sure about the castor oil  you are using.  If anyone is using that and having good results, I haven't heard about it.  Stick with gentle oils, like coconut and emu.  Also, the changes you want to see don't happen overnight.  You aren't going to instantly see unfusing, or fusing for that matter, it's a long process. Maybe what you noticed are parts temporarily stuck together.  The color changes you are seeing could be from the heat of your bath, or a sensitivity to the castor oil, or even iritation from being rubbed raw from your clothing. It all just takes time, so try and relax because stress makes everything worse.

I believe its the steroid ointment which turns the skin a dark purple.    Since i stopped using it  becuse the borax was helping, i have been a healthy pink colour.

xx

Every "body" is different, but no, I haven't experienced that. But I too would not be using castor oil, I would use coconut or olive or almond or emu. My changes came very slowly and with a lot of persistence and trying to not stress and look all the time .. harder to do than write about. lol

The fusion happened more quickly but the releasing has taken much longer and I am still working on it. Hanny had mentioned patience, persistence without stressing! I have taken that to heart.

God guide you in your reading and give you peace!

No, they're not stuck together. Yes it could be sensitivity to the castor oil, or the clothing.

Thank you so much Anna, Nelsmydog, and joanna, and hanna. Thank god, I have you guys to reassure me. Otherwise, it would be very bleak. I feel much better now that I've heard from you.

Thank you all. I'll be coming here often I feel. You all help me so much. You are all angels.

I was told by a pharmacist that people used to use it as an eyewash and if they didn't do it properly they caused problems.

that's why it was banned, sorry this post appeared somewhere else and shouded totally random.

 

...sounded...

I tend to agree with that. I have had dark purple spots and then I know to back off on steroid. Believe it's from thinning skin from too much steroid.

Ages ago I had a similar reoccuring issue, but it was only one small purple spot that would show up on the same spot, on my clitoris. I wish I could remember where I read this, but what it was attributed to was a thinning of the skin and it rubbing against the fabric of my underwear and creating essentally a blood blister. I'm not sure if this is the same thing you are expreriencing. But steroid use from my understanding, especially overuse of steroids, can further attribute to thinning of the skin. If there is any kind of treatment that can be found to avoid use of steroid, I say give it a go. Steroids are not a long term answer to LS.

When researching health uses for borax I have found that many people take it in very small amounts orally. I sure would be interested to know if anyone out there has tried it and if so what the results were. I have read loads of info about the health benefits of oral borax on arthritis suffers. Also have read about it being used in suppository form. Borax is a very interesting mineral.