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Does stress affect LP?

Posted , 11 users are following.

Cheetah
Cheetah

I have vulval LP and am following a Dermovate regime which my dermatologist recommended.  I also use Zeroderm every day.  Things haven't cleared totally, but there is certainly some improvement from when I first saw the dermatologist in August.  However, at the moment I'm under a lot of stress and I've noticed that the itch has returned.  Does stress affect LP?    

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Terriwpg
    Terriwpg Cheetah

    Posted

    Stress DEFINITELY affects Lichen Planus. I am from Canada and was prescribed Clobetasol ointment. Initially used topically every night for 2 weeks and now on maintenance 3 times per week. Days when I am not using ointment I always use Vaseline petroleum jelly to protect skin from irritations. When flare ups occur I increase maintenance. Another huge thing that will affect Lichen Planus is taking any kind of antibiotic. Increase maintenance to daily again if you need to take antibiotics.
  • garbear
    garbear Cheetah

    Posted

    Hi cheetah, YES, stress plays a huge role in LP breakout along with anxiety. I've also noticed with my own body that immune boosters like vitamin C & D, coconut oil and tumric have a impact also. I've seen great improvement in my LP with the use of probiotics. I am currently taking two a day one in the morning and evening, both with meals. Ever since I started the probiotics my LP has gradually disappeared. Today I have been symptom free for 18 months and I believe the probiotics are what helped.

    • Manda2809
      Manda2809 garbear

      Posted

      Hi there. I'm intrested in what kind of probiotic you use and where you get them.. I've never thought to try this

    • garbear
      garbear Manda2809

      Posted

      Hi Manda,

      The probiotics I take are a OTC 4 strain generic with a count of 5 billion. If your considering this option start slow. Take 1 a day for 2 to 4 weeks then start 2 a day. Over time the probiotics have a cumulative effect on your body, meaning the more consistent you are with taking them the better they work. Avoid possessed foods as much as possible and eat a balanced diet high in protein and good fats. These all have worked for me in my struggle with LP. Good luck to you.

    • Nitojen
      Nitojen Manda2809

      Posted

      I take Clobetasol prescribed from the doctor and with my insurance its only $1
  • AnnieWilhemina
    AnnieWilhemina Cheetah

    Posted

    Hi Cheetah

    I was diagnosed with VLP last month & following the same course of treatment as yourself (I have OLP as well). Stress definitely makes it worse.

    No much help to you I know. I hope things improve for you soon.

  • Cheetah
    Cheetah

    Posted

    Thank you all for your replies and the helpful information.   At the moment, I'm been using the Dermovate every day, then twice a week, then every day etc.,  At the moment, I'm using it every day.  I see the dermatologist again in a couple of weeks, so will see what she thinks then.  She did say that I might have to have oral steroid medication if it doesn't clear with topical medication, but I understand there are side effects from this, so I hope not.  I have a stubborn area of inflammation that I have had since the beginning and which I just can't seem to clear.  However, I've had the symptoms for two years, before being diagnosed, so I'm sure it isn't going to clear up quickly.  

    Thank you for mentioning probiotics, garbear.  I think I'll see about getting some.  And I hadn't realised that antibiotics would affect LP either, Terriwpg, so thank you for that.  

  • ellen57898
    ellen57898 Cheetah

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with genital LP a few years ago. I see a specialist recommended by by gyn. He only deals with diseases of the vulva and areas nearby.  He started me on Clobetasol. When that did not help he started me on ELIDEL cream.  That has been a miracle for me.  I am down to once a week for maintenance. Google Elidel. It might be something you could try.   (I now have OLP and am using a [prescription dental paste that i put on these inserts in my mouth. I just started last week.) Hate this stuff.  It doesn't help that I am under severe stress related to family issues.

    Ellie

  • mary_pooh
    mary_pooh Cheetah

    Posted

    My vulva LP took 9 months on steroid cream to clear up that was 18 months ago and it's been good since then it takes time but mouth is proving harder to clear try to keep positive as stress makes it worse try emuaid

  • Nitojen
    Nitojen Cheetah

    Posted

    I read somewhere earlier that stress does effect LP.
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