1. Community
  2. Skin and nails
  3. Lichen Planus

Does VLP clear completely with Dermovate? If so, how long before this happens?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Cheetah
Cheetah

I've had vulval inflammation for about two years and was diagnosed with vulval lichen planus in August.  I'm following a regime of Dermovate, but there is an area of inflammation - inside the labia - which seems to be taking a long time to clear.  I saw my dermatologist today and she wants to do another biopsy to check this more persistent inflammation.

A previous biopsy was taken in this same area and this was when I was diagnosed with the lichen planus, so I'm hopeful that this will all be part of the same thing.

However, just wondered if others have found that lichen planus clears completely and how long it takes for this to happen.  I began with itching and widespread vulval inflammation two years ago, so I feel that it's not going to disappear overnight!  I had more or less resigned myself to managing the condition, rather than having a complete cure.

Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Gabriella101
    Gabriella101 Cheetah

    Posted

    Is it Dermovate ointment or cream that you’re using? My dermatologist told me the ointment is much better as it doesn’t rub off as easily. Sorry, that’s the only advice I can offer you. 
  • lorraine72830
    lorraine72830 Cheetah

    Posted

    Hi, You sound exactly like me...

    I started with vulval inflammation about two years ago and was told I had allergy,thrush,eczema,psoriasis,even genital herpes!!!!, and then saw a vulval specialist who informed me straight away I had vulval lichen planus.She told me to use  clobetasol 0.05 ointment every night for 4 weeks and then every other day for 4 weeks then twice a week then once a week,and if it comes back again up the dose again to maintain the ant inflammatory effect.As yet it seems to be working,I also use diprobase cream to wash in and also as a moisturiser when the itch appears !!!if you know what I mean.i really don't know if it EVER disappears completely, I think it does if you have it elsewhere on your body but I don't know about orally( which I also have), or on vulva, I think it's a horrible feeling to think you have something I think is uncommon that may never resolve, I try not to think about it if I can help it, I just wish there was a cure, at least it's nice to know that you aren't alone on here as other people also have the same diagnosis.sorry I can't be any more help,so if you do find out anymore please let us know!! smile

    • Cheetah
      Cheetah lorraine72830

      Posted

      Thanks Lorraine.  At the moment I'm using Dermovate in a cycle of daily for a month, then twice weekly for a month etc.  I use Zeroderm after every loo visit and wash either with plain water or Dermol 500.  And yes, the itch is awful!  Thankfully, that seems to have calmed down.  It's certainly a lot better than it was a year ago.

      I'm sure I read somewhere that oral LP and vulval LP are the most persistent, as it affects the mucous membrane and so the area is never dry.

      I agree that it's comforting to know that you can ask questions on here and know that people understand what you are going through.

      If I have to manage the VLP, rather than it going completely, then so be it.  I just find it an absolute pain, faffing about with creams and having to get ready for bed half-an-hour before I'm ready, just to fit everything in!

      Sorry to hear that you have OLP too.  I'm lucky in that, at the moment, it's just the vulva, but I told my dentist about it and he now knows to keep a check on my mouth just in case.  Fingers crossed that it doesn't spread.

      Take care and I hope things improve for you.

       

  • mary_pooh
    mary_pooh Cheetah

    Posted

    Hi cheetah I had it in 2016 took 9 months to clear I tried 3 diff steroids before found the one that helped it was hydrocortisone 1per cent I now have damaged nerves there so use lidocaine numbing cream and go to hospital every 6 months for check ups to make sure it doesn't turn cancerous !! Good luck do you use zeroderm to wash with x

    • Cheetah
      Cheetah mary_pooh

      Posted

      Thanks Mary.  I've only been using the Dermovate regularly for about three months.  I did use it a year ago for a couple of months and it was helping slowly, but then the GP told me to just use it when the area was itchy, so I wasn't really sure what I was doing for a few months after that and used it spasmodically.  That was when I asked to be referred to a dermatologist, who has been very good.  So sorry to hear that you have damaged nerves in that area now and I hope your hospital check ups continue to be clear.  I tend to use Zeroderm as an emollient - which I use after every toilet visit - and wash with Dermol 500.  Take care.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.