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Help with the itching please.

Posted , 6 users are following.

frankie68
frankie68

Hi,I was diagnosed about 4 months ago and have been using Dermovate , down to every other day now having been twice a day for a month then once a day for further month. Also use Balneum lotion for showering and general moisturising . The white patches seem to have gone and for a while so had the itching but over the last few weeks it has come back with a vengeance! I have couple of small very red patches which I put the ointment on, also a sore area in the valley next to labia, also putting ointment there. The itch is on the outer labia and in the crease at the top of my legs, on the knicker line. The outer labia look very red and feels like the hair is irritating the whole area. I wonder if the Balneum cream is actually an irritant to me. If it is just a moisturiser I should find something else maybe. I see my GP next week to see how things are and I am going to ask for a referral to a specialist Vulval clinic which is nearby. My original diagnosis was by my GP and then a consultant Gynecologist from my local hospital I paid for this to speed things up because the wait at the Vulval clinic is 3 months. Wish i had just waited the 3 months now , would just about be having an appointment. Reading other posts it does seem you need to see the experts in this field.

I also have fusing worse on one side, and the outside labia have lost their plumpness, if you know what I mean. I am 68 years old and so I always expected things to look different down below as one ages. I am scared about the cancer link but trying to put that out of my mind and just cope with the day to day management of this horrible complaint. My husband is very understanding thankfully!

Any advice on how to alleviate the itching would be very welcome.

Thanks to everyone who shares their story , it is so reassuring to know we are not alone.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • frankie68
    frankie68

    Posted

    Also forgot to ask, how do people manage the clothes issue? My G P advised, no trousers, no tights, loose cotton underwear. She did stay winter is a bad time for flare ups . I am a trouser wearer! Finding it difficult to source the loose cotton underwear too. Try to go commando around the house but the weather is turning chilly!

  • kimberly91273
    kimberly91273 frankie68

    Posted

    Hi there!

    THAT itch huh?! It is the worst!

    I use Calmoseptine. You can get it on ebay or amazon. It is so soothing and healing...no sting & really takes the itch away. Also helps me to be able to the bathroom without pain bc it coats the skin. Hope u are feeling better soon! Kim

    • frankie68
      frankie68 kimberly91273

      Posted

      Thanks Kimberley

      I will look for that cream. Anything to ease the itch!

  • Guppy007
    Guppy007 frankie68

    Posted

    Hi frankie, cancer is very rare with this condition and is often caused through not seeing a doctor at all...sometimes for years. While you are using the steroid cream I think it is best not to use other creams as well as this seems to cause problems for some.

    What I have found over the years is that the steroid cream is brilliant for getting rid of the white plaques of skin and for clitoral pain/itching, but that's about it really in my view. I think I would stop using the steroid cream for a while and see what happens, and the other cream you mentioned as well. After a couple of days of not applying anything I would then (if needed) apply something like Desitin cream or vaseline to any red areas that you have if they are causing you problems. When you apply cream less is more, and LS likes variation and so it is a good idea to rotate any creams or oils you use. I have three different oils that I sometimes use before bed, but always in rotation and I think your Vjay is probably reacting to the two different creams that you are applying and needs a rest.

    I personally don't think you need to use the steroid cream once the white plaques of skin have gone, but that's just my view - and to only use it in emergencies. There are two different thoughts on the use of the steroid cream in that some women use it weekly for maintenance after their white plaques of skin have gone and others just use it in emergencies, and I fall into that group.

    The itching you refer to could possibly be down to your diet unfortunately. What many of us have discovered is that if you have had a day of overload on sugar (thats carbohydrates as well) then itching can occur quite suddenly and only disappear when sugar is cut back on. For some Gluten is a problem, but not for everyone.

    I am gluten intolerant and I try to avoid quite a bit of dairy, and sugar as well. For me, what I have noticed is that if i drink wine (sugar) and have chocolate I can start to feel the twinges of something unpleasant starting, but I am lucky because I only need to stop and the next day I am fine, the worst that can happen from overindulging for me is paper like cuts in the crack of my butt, or a very sore area. I know that is not the case for many and their itching can continue for days.

    Make sure your not scratching your undercarriage while sleeping because this can cause a vicious cycle of itching.

    With regard to fusing there is something that can help and that is called Borax but quite honestly I would take one step at a time and try to get your itching under control and a routine that works for you before trying that.

    • frankie68
      frankie68 Guppy007

      Posted

      Thanks Guppy

      I do wonder if the steroid ointment is irritating the good skin. I will take your advise and vary the moisturisers. I have bought some organic coconut oil so will try that over the next few days.

      Also will look at the diet aspect.

      Many thanks

  • Bridge_of_Sighs
    Bridge_of_Sighs frankie68

    Posted

    I second Guppy, I have really cut down on sugar and that made a big difference to me. I'm fine with gluten, but do eat only sourdough bread. I was a jeans wearer and have had to rethink my wardrobe. Now I'm always in skirts and leggings. Some people find leggings don't work for them, you will have to experiment. I spent a couple of hours in my local Oxfam shop with two really nice ladies and came out with a whole new wardrobe for under £50. It was fun and a good cause too...

    • frankie68
      frankie68 Bridge_of_Sighs

      Posted

      Thank you, I don't think I eat much sugar, but it's not always obvious I guess.

      Regarding the clothes, it's the seams of tight things that irritate tops of legs. Must be easier in the summer months.

      It's so good to know you're not alone. This forum is wonderful!

    • Bridge_of_Sighs
      Bridge_of_Sighs frankie68

      Posted

      Hi, there's lots of hidden sugar in prepared foods and ready meals. Get in the habit of checking ingredients and you may well be surprised. Things like muesli bars can have more sugar in than chocolate bars. Pea and ham soup - loads of sugar.

      You're not alone, we're all going through/ have gone through similar processes - and are here to support each other. So ask away...

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