For those with anal LS I’m Cured

Hi again as you are doing so much research into LS i have been thinking back to when mine started. I had just finished a course of erythromycin due to an infection in my saliva gland. A few days later the itching started. When i looked up the side effects of this antibiotic one of them was vaginal itching. i certainly didn't have a problem before taking them. At first thought it was thrush that can be through taking antibiotics and was at first treated for that. After thinking about it I'm pretty sure that antibiotics caused this problem. Thought this may be of some interest. The only other thing is perfumed toilet paper. If not who knows? Hopefully will find an answer in the new year. I don't think there's much help out there.

Hi Jill,

When did you take the antibiotic? How long after the antibiotic was it before you noticed the itching? What else was going on at the time? Are you menopausal? What is your stress level? I know, so many questions. Are you hypothyroid? Forgive me if you have already posted this on the site somewhere. Do you have autoimmune problems or did any of your family have them, living or dead?

Hi when I look back it was a few days after finishing the antibiotic (erythromycin) that I started with a slight itch slowly it became unbearable that's why they thought I had thrush. I'm way past menopause now. (Had a hysterectomy when i was in my thirties). I'm now 73 !! I have an underactive thyroid. Taking 50 microgram levothyroxin. I was borderline and doctor said it was up to me whether to take it or not. It was about 6 years ago. She said something like if I was in the US i would definitely have it but in GB it was different levels?? Haven't a clue what mine is. As far as I know I've never had an autoimmune problem. I'm very fair and my skin has always been very sensitive and dry. If i go in the sun I go like a beetroot. None of my family have had any autoimmune problems at all. Must admit my stress levels have been quite high. My husband underwent a bilateral lung transplant some time ago. At the same time my mother died. Now on blood pressure pills. Anyhow I hope all this helps with all your research. You're doing a good job. Jill Have a good Christmas.

Jill,

Yes, I would say you have been under the stress haven't you. Sending blessings for all of that..

I have heard erythromycin can cause itching and have taken it but it didn't do anything. I'll bet your early hysterectomy has something to do with it as there is a correlation (association but not cause) between low estrogen and LS in the journals. Am assuming you did not start taking oral estrogen/progesterone then.

I have used about a dozen different lotions and potions to help ease the pain b ut they are not too effective. Fifty mcg of levothyroxin is about as much stimulant as 2 strong cups of coffee. If your TSH is close to the borderline of too high then I'd say to up the levo to 75 or even 100 mcg (1 mg). My early dr in 1990 when I was in grad school said most women will need at least 1 mg. I started with 1 mg then but in 1997, I came to Georgia and doctor here upped it to 150 mcg, or 1.5 mg (3x what you're taking) and I have been functioning much better on that dose. I am very active for 64, work full time (more than full time) do stairmaster, jog, and lift weights almost daily. Most of the time my mind says Oh yes go ahead, but the body says, Oh no you old fool.

Well Merry Happy back at ya.

Hi again. Just want your opinion on something. I've been using Betnovate. for about a couple of months now and must admit the itching. has stopped although now i have a burning feeling in that area. I've been reading various uses of olive oil and coconut oil. At the moment I've stopped the steroid cream to see if this helped. started using olive oil yesterday to see if this helps and going to get coconut oil today.

Must admit I'm getting really fed up with this now. Nobody seems to know enough about this nightmare condition. Hope you're ok. jill

Hi Jill,

The most likely issue is now that the steroid has irritated the skin and that's the burning you feel. Yes, I too, am fed up with being in pain as it really has lessened my quality of life and work. I don't think I know anyone who has enough knowledge to figure out the cause. I've read so many journal articles and have seen clues but nothing definitive. Try both the Olive and coconut oils. I recommend organic extra-virgin and hexane free. Hexane is a chemical used to get the last drop of oil out of olives or coconut and, of course, it is not good.

There's also Eucerin a cream in the US that is a good skin protectant. I'm glad your itching stopped. I've never had itching, only pain and nothing seems to stop it unless I drug myself to sleep which I can't do because I work. I am trying to get as many chemicals out of my system as possible and have had some success. I don't think one can remove all the chemicals in today's life. However, I have not seen any improvement. Keep trying as will I and when I find something that helps, I will put it up. The moderator has deleted a couple of my posts already.

Take care.

Hi again. Thanks for replying. I know exactly how you feel. I'm usually an easy going person but I'm moaning every day now. Right old misery. ! I'm debating whether to ask for an appointment for a vulva clinic. Either that or a gynecologist. Anyway will try and get an appointment with the doc sometime this week to see what she says. Don't hold much hope though. Will let you know the outcome of that. Take care. x

Latest update: This might give you another idea. ( I'll give anything a go). Doctor told me to stop steroid and replens for now. Prescribed Vagifem (Estradil) 10 micrograms. One daily for 2 weeks. Then one twice weekly. Fingers crossed this does the trick. Will let you know. Take care. Maybe others on here have used this.

just posted reply. not sure if it went to you.