Help! Flare-ups make it too painful to apply cream...

Posted , 9 users are following.

Hi. I am thrilled to find that I'm not alone with this condition, and hope to find some support and advice! I was diagnosed with LS three years ago, and told very little at the time. I came in suspecting a yeast infection, and had never heard of LS. The OBGYN's PA took one look and knew what I had, then took a biopsy to confirm and check for cancer. No cancer, thank God. She gave me a prescription for Clobetasol, and told me to use it twice daily for a week, and then use regular (cooking) shortening in between times when I needed to use the Clobetasol. For nearly 20 years, I experienced severe anal itching and my family physician never once mentioned any possibility of anything other than hemmorroids, and just gave me a low dose anti itch cream to use (which rarely helped). When I was diagnosed with LS, she told me it was most likely LS that had plagued me all those years, and now it was evident. I get flare-ups a couple times a month that last for nearly a week, and am now in the middle of one that has me so sore, I can't even bear to apply the cream. I've been using the shortening because it coats the area so well and makes it less painful to move. The sores are horribly tender and the Clobetasol burns like a son-of-a-gun to apply. Does anypne else have this problem?? And also, I've heard that Desitin is really good for the sores, but should I be using something for the soreness till it clears up, or will the Clobetasol help it to clear up?  I cringe at the thought of applying ANYTHING when it nearly brings me to tears to even touch myself, but the shortening helps. I can feel a couple little bumps, and that is where the tenderness mostly is. 

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  • Posted

    Valgirl,

    Sounds pretty awful. I'm healing from my first big flare up which lasted several months. I'm finally

     almost normal again (well like I use to feel pre LS). The recovery has been slow and painful. Initially when I had itching 2 years ago I was prescribed clobetasol ointment for two weeks and it calmed the itching. In May this year  I had a major flare up  after taking two arounds of antibiotics. The flare up included a UTI infection, burning, I couldn't wipe and horrible pain.  Doctors couldn't agree on  a treatment plan. I got new doctors. Then had to heal from biopsy that confirmed LS and then I needed a d and c. I wasn't able to sit down or walk for long periods of time. I completely felt  awful for  3 months. I became allergic to clobetasol. Doctor told  me many times patients are allergic to the base ingredients in clobetasol which is the same base ingredient in ky gel. I've been able to tolerate halobetasol with minor discomfort. Halobetasol has a different base and is as potent as clobetasol. I've followed a gluten free diet which I had been doing already, reduced my sugar intake, take vitamin supplements, do yoga, use emu oil, calendula oil, Virgin coconut oil, primrose oil and almond oil which ever works best at the time. Oh ...Destin also helps.  I use cotton white under garments, no tight garments and reduced my stress. I hope you can heal soon. The women in this site were very helpful in giving me suggestions that helped. Good luck hope you heal soon.

      

    • Posted

      glad you are improving wil...what do you think helped you turn the corner?

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