An Experiment with Borax

Hi Samantha,  I used the borax treatment day and night for a couple of months.  After I started seeing progress, I only did it at night.  The results have been amazing.  After a while, It seemed like I reached a plateau, where my white areas never faded completely, but didn't get any worse. Then I added a new thing: inserting a capsule of Avogen (in US, but available on line). It's an oral supplement containing avocado oil, but when I inquired about it, they told me that women insert the capsule vaginally for vaginal atrophy. I figured it was worth a try.  I've been doing this a couple of times a week.  The white areas are even more faded now.  I don't know if this will help everyone, but it did help me.  So, with the baking soda baths, emu & other oils, the borax treatment and the Avogen, I'm continuing to improve.  All itching and burning have stopped, which is such a blessing because it used to keep me up at night.

I've been using the borax since June after finding this discussion board. My itching and burning has completely stopped and at my annual I discussed it with my doctor and she said I looked better than I have in a long time. She made a note to tell two of her other patients dealing with this. I backed off after the really bad flair up I was having in June subsided. I had some stress in mid-July while moving, started using again as soon as I noticed, and the borax got it under control within a couple of days before it could escalate and get out of hand and I was having no symptoms within a week. Using the borax has really been a game-changer for me. None of the creams I've used has ever worked this quickly and effectively.

*I should mention when I first started I was in the middle of a really bad flair up and it took about a week or more before I started noticing a difference. If you're just trying it, give it time. I would say by week 2 it has really started to make a significant difference.

Thanks Anna, i'll up the Avogen. Good to hear your results. Could you please give me a rough idea how much borax you would add to say 100ml water. I tired adding a quarter teaspoon and found that it didn't all dissolve. Then about an hour later it had all dissolved. I added a small amount more and found the same, it didn't all dissolve, but later on noticed it had. Any advice much appreciated. 

Hi, many thanks, could you advise rough how much you would add to say 100ml water? I'm quite confused here to see its about the same amount as the bicarbonate of soda. I'm really hoping it may help with some fusing/disappearing of one of my labia and a white patch on the clitoris. 

Honestly, I got a small flip top bottle from the travel section, put about a tablespoon of borax, and filled it with water. I shake it up before I use it each time. It's easy to manage in my bathroom and put on a cotton ball to apply. I think the travel bottles are about 3oz. Hopefully that helps!

Hi Samantha,

It doesn't seem to be an exact science.  I shake a little bit of borax into a small jar of water--just enough to see crystals not dissolved at the bottom after I've stirred it up.  I apply it with a cotton swab, just to the affected areas, not the entire vulva.  But it seems like others have their own methods that work as well.

One more thing I forgot...half of one of my labia had disappeared and I thought it was gone forever, but after using the borax, it has slowly come back.  It seems to unfold a little bit at a time.

That's great to hear Anna as that's what m hoping for too. Will take pictures ever two days to keep an eye. Thanks

Yes it does thanks 

Hi all! I've been offline due to a power outage, but how amazing to come back on and read about some having such good results with the borax and others gearing up to give it a go! I go on and off using it, if I hit a flare-up during stressful times I'm on, once I've got things under control, which doesn't take long, I'm off. For me, it's been a tremendous relief to not have to rely on steroid creams that have their own issues with overuse. So thrilled to hear Bchatham that your doctor is passing the word along! That's so awesome. And that's what we need! So great.

Hi, I just have a few questions about the borax treatment. I plan on starting it this weekend just wondering if you mix a new solution each time? I plan on using like 1/2 cup and wonder if you keep it out at room temperature? My problem area is the skin between the vagina and anus. White patches, itching and lots of tears. I haven't had sex in 2 years because of the tears. Does the borax help with tears? Also do you know if it is safe for the anus because I have issues there too! I have only been using estrogen cream, emuaid and aquafor. Also, have you ever heard of anyone drinking borax? Thanks!

If you start with half a cup of water slowly add the borax and stir to dissolve. Once it's stopped disolving, you have your saturated solution. Depending on how often you use will dictate how often you have to replenshish the solution - so no, you don't need a new solution each time I do leave mine out at room temperature, covered, and I give it a stir before use as sometimes a bit of borax will have settled to the bottom.

I can't speak to the tears, but just give it a try. Mine helped with the white patches and the fusing. It also helped stopped the itch, and was only itchy when some of the fusing was finally releasing and exposing fresh raw skin (which very quickly "healed"...ie. returned to normal).

I have actually read about people drinking borax, but it was a very, very small amount. Some sites say it's good for you, some say bad. If this is something you're going to try make sure you research as much as possible so that you know what the risks are. I will say that some of the information I've read about drinking have intriguied me as borax is antifungal, but I'm breastfeeding my daughter, so I'd prefer to not experiment at this time. Again, just research both sides as thoroughly as possible so you're as educated on things as possible!

Lastly, take pictures. Seriously, start prior to the first treatment and continue with each treatment for a couple of weeks. It will help you see if there's a difference (beyond the way it might feel). I've read that some women have skipped that and then regretted it as it wiould really have helped them to visually see progress being made.

Good luck and please let us kmow how things are going or if you have any more quesitons!

Yes take photographs. I only started taking them when I'd been using Borax for a month. The biggest change is at the start, after that it's very slow. I've just looked at the collection of pictures I have, from the first to the middle set there looks to be no change, but from the first to the most recent (8 months later) there's a lot more labia minora than before. I only had about a third left, and over such a long time I'd convinced myself there was no change, but looking at the photos, I've now got nearly 2 thirds of it back! woo-hooo! and I didn't notice that happening with checking every day. I take pictures every couple of months. So do it, and try the Borax too. I was on cloud 9 for a few days, and goodness knows that happens little enough with this horrible condition.

I am so happy that you've had such great results! Eesh, I just wish more people would find this thread and give this treatment a try.

I have meanwhile experienced the same, Borax is a good alternative.  What I did - put a few pinches of Borax in my Perin bottle during the day.  It not only cleanses but also somehow seems to help with the elasticity of the skin.

?Baking soda and Borax have the alkalinity in common.  High numbers actually. My experience at present is that I use Borax during the day as described above and baking soda with then applying coconut oil during the night. 

Earlier I experienced that LS likes variety. 

?I still had difficulties with the top part of the vulva, but sinds this exchange with borax to the baking soda that has solved itself as well.  I'm doing well actually.   

I was diagnosed 32 years ago and just finally found this group. Needless to say my fusing is quite advanced. I have had some success with minimizing itching and tearing since beginning the borax about a month ago but am wondering if there is a point at which the fusing is beyond help. I'm hoping not ...

Lauri, I have been totally fused up.  Except for a pinnhole for passing urine with great effort and discomfort.  After a dilation procedure by my gyno I had a start to reverse all.  By further dilating and baking soda baths and rinses at first, later borax.  Just telling you so that perhaps it gives you some hope. 

I don't know, but I'm hopeful for you and all the others with advanced fusing that it isn't. Keep up with the borax, as Hanny has also suggested dialiting and baking soda baths. Keep us posted and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

I was wondering how long did it take until the fusion started to release? I don't care if it takes a year, I will be faithful to the Borax solutions and baths!

How long before you saw a difference in the fusing?  I saw this question earlier but could not find a response.  I see where others stop using it daily after awhile.  Is this after the fusing has disppwared or are those people that did not have fusing?  Thanks for your time

I had very minor fusing and found a change in it after about a month give or take. It's been awhile, so it's hard to remember precisely. But it wasn't super long. That being said, as is repeated, this disease is different for everyone. There have been answers on the fusing question, but there's a lot of dialogue to sift through here! Anyway, the borax has not eradicated LS from me, I still have it, but it keeps it at bay.

For me it took about a month to two. But my fusing was minor. I'd try to guess at what is happening, but I'm not a doctor, so anything I would say on the process would be pure speculation.

Depending of course how bad the fusing has become.  It took me about a year.  But mine was very severe. 

For me, I didn't see the reversal of fusing for many months, and it's a slow process, but very exciting to see the changes.

Thank you, I will keep on task! So far still no symptoms except tightness and I am following your suggestions!

Thank you, gives me hope and dedication!

Hi Anna777,

I am interested in where you got the Avogen capsules? Health food store or did you order them? 

Hi Jen, you can order them on-line at avogenusa or on Amazon.  On avogenusa's site you won't find any literature on the vaginal atrophy treatment--it was explained to me by an employee, and I have to say, it's really helped--but there is info on how avogen helps with internal scarring and trauma.  You should insert a capsule vaginally, and I do it 2 or 3 days a week before I go to bed.

Wow well that really gives me some hope! I'll certainly look into it... 

My story is a little different than lots of the others dealing with LS. I am a postmenopausal woman and I started having sever pain during intercourse. I kept complaining to my GP who told me I most likely had vg atrophy and he promptly recommended HRT but because I have already had to have breast surgery I cannot go that route. 

Last year I went to our local health clinic for a pelvic and pap and the NP told me I the skin on my perineum looked like I might have LS. I had no idea what LS was and it terrified me. I came home and started researching needless to say what I found only scared me worse. Thankfully my vulva has not been affected like some of the dear ladies I saw. However I have not been able to have intercourse with my hubby in about a year and a half. It's just too painful and the skin splits and bleeds with the slightest bit of friction. I would love to be sexually active again! 

I have since changed GP's and my new Dr. gave me a steroid cream and a topical estrogen to apply. I do NOT like using the steroids nor the estrogen. Have only done so very sparingly. Right now I am making a half and half solution of peroxide and saline putting it in a spray bottle and I am using it after toliet visits and after baths. I look forward to trying the borax however I wish someone would just give some good measurements on how much to use. Like teaspoon, tablespoon cup, gallon etc. whatever the appropriate measurements may be. It would be so much more simple.

I appreciate any and all help this has been such an exasperating thing to me and of course to everyone who is dealing with this horrendous issue!

Thanks so much and God bless! 

    

Hi Jen,

I’m post-menopausal too. Yes, it is a frightful situation when you first get diagnosed, but thankfully for these dear women, there is help and you will feel better.  I have not heard of using a peroxide and saline solution before. We are sort of discovering these things as we go along. Here is what works for me:

·         At first I took baking soda baths every night (1/3 cup of baking soda in a bathtub) soaking for about 20 minutes.

·         Next I did the Borax treatment every morning and night for several weeks. It’s not an exact measurement.

   Per Alistar: “Add the borax (sodium borate) to water, stirring to dissolve (you don't need to heat the water). Once you've gotten to the point where, when you add more borax, it doesn't dissolve, you then have a saturated solution (meaning the water is "thick" with borax and cannot hold anymore). Things didn't change overnight, so give a week or two. Dip a q-tip in the solution and apply it. I didn't just "rub" it on once, I dipped applied, dipped applied a few times.”

·         Apply coconut, emu, and almond oils several times a day.  I switch off every week with a different oil

·         Avogen capsule inserted vaginally a couple of times a week.

·         Cotton panties

·         Hormone therapy (applied vaginally)

·         Meditation

·         Dietary: avoid dairy, wheat, and sugar (major food culprits in autoimmune diseases). I also avoid acidic things like citrus fruits and wine.

·         Don’t use any soap; water is enough.

·         Don’t wear tight pants.

·         Use a dilator to slowly stretch the area.

·         Here’s a new one:  Apparently the chlorine in toilet paper that bleaches it white, creates dangerous toxins.  I just ordered some chlorine free TP on Amazon.  If you look for some, make sure it’s not recycled.

I started this last March.  At that time, I had just been diagnosed and when I examined myself, I was shocked to find that half of one of my labia minora was gone and the other half was pure white.  Scared me to death.  But after many months, the area that was gone has returned, I guess it was fused, and the white areas have returned to a healthy pink.  I don’t use steroids because of the side effects, but these natural remedies work just as well, if not better.

Now I alternate between baking soda baths (1/3 cup), and borax baths (1/6 cup).  Because I am doing so well with these, I no longer need to apply the borax solution.

Each person is different and many people on this site have different ways of managing LS, but this has worked wonderfully for me.

Anna777,

Thank you so much for your prompt response. I can obviously see we all are different however dealing with many of the same symptoms. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I surely will be trying the borax and the baking soda baths. Thankfully I don't have any of the fused tissues. 

I won't use the steroids unless it is an absolute must and if I use the estrogen it will slim to none. 

I have not had a hysterectomy. I have tried using estrogen cream but I noticed a slight pink discharge and my Dr, said if I even thought I saw what appeared to be blood to stop using it. It's a very fine line we walk when we use these hormones after menopause. Cancer is a very real possiblity one I am not ready to risk...

I have never tried a dilator that is something else I may need to look into. This is all very new and quite overwhelming. Thank you for all the great tips. I'm so glad I found this site and was refered to this thread. Lots of wonderful stories of healing and hope!

Thanks so much to everyone willing to share this very private part of their anatomy and their lives!!!  

I put three pinches in my Perin bottle and 1/6 cup of Borax in a full bath. 

Hi Jen,

Yes it is a lot to take in all at once.  If you want to start out slowly, I'd do the baking soda baths and apply the oils throughout the day. Once you are comfortable with that, start the borax treatment.  When you start to feel better, you will be more inclined to include the the other tips.  Just remember that we've all been there and have found and shared remedies to make our lives better.

Hi jib824 (4 months later!) I have the same as you - white between vagina and anus (the perineum) with thinning of the skin at the back edge of the entrance to my vagina. This can even tear if I have an extra large poo :-( I'm hoping that the borax will help. Same with prenetrative sex too....zero.

Hello Jen, I put 2 tsp of borax and 2tsp of baking soda in a cup of warm bottled waterMix and put in a sprayer.Use after each bathroom visit and blot dry with tissue.

Some people do drink a solution of borax. I would not recommend that and do not feel that it is needed.  Non-alcohol....yes, you can find witch hazel without alcohol...use as a spray after bathroom breaks, and then apply 100% aloe vera gel...this aids in healing and should stop the itch.  I've done this now for over a year and have only had a bit of itching if I've forgotten for a few days.  After about 4 months you can back off it a little.  I also use coconut oil for moisturizing...and alternate that now that I'm not having as many issues with the aloe vera gel.  I've also found that a high quality calendula cream is soothing and healing. Am just two days into the borax treatment...so jury is out on that for now as far as any changes for me.

I have suffered with LS for 20 years. At times the steroid seemed to make things worse. I now have it under control this my routine:

What I use:

Saturated borax solution

Bicarbonate soda diluted

Emu Oil

Emuaidmax cream

I make the saturated Borax solution and keep in a small spray bottle. Every time I pee I spray a little on natural toilet paper and dab the effected area

Showering I take a small bowl of diluted bicarbonate soda. After I have showered I rinse my vagina area with the solution still in the shower

Dry myself on the cool setting of the hairdryer.

I alternate the emu oil and the enuaudmax cream each day.

Once a week I use nothing

Results are that my life is now bearable and my vagina is looking nearly normal.

All thanks to Alastair

Elizabeth