1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Lichen Sclerosus

Interested to know if any males have this issue

Posted , 5 users are following.

SortoutLS
SortoutLS

And how they are dealing with the effects. I've had this condition for a couple of years now, apparently it's part of genetics according to my GP. 

I keep having major flare ups and it's painfully sore today. Not sure entirely how things can continue as before, had a failed relationship as a result of this and now I'm apprehensive of starting a new one due to the flare ups, having to explain, how are any potential partners meant to deal with this? It's hard enough dealing with it myself. 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest SortoutLS

    Posted

    I have read males can get LS but not sure how common that is. Maybe you could ask your gp if there are specialists in your area. A specialist may be able to help you control the flare ups. Good luck
    • SortoutLS
      SortoutLS Guest

      Posted

      Thank you. 

      I've been to GP who said it could be controlled but it's not going that great so far.  Maybe it's just a case of finding the right medication. I heard that diet and alcohol can cause flare ups too 

    • Guest
      Guest SortoutLS

      Posted

      Not sure what your gp has you using but clobetasol ointment seems to be the drug of choice. It is a very potent steroid and has to be used just like doctor prescribes. I would greatly encourage you to find a specialist as this can be somewhat controlled if you have right med. As far as diet and alcohol I guess it could cause flare up. Everyone is different and have different triggers that cause flare ups. Stress is a big cause for some, diet for others seem to cause the flare ups. Like I said everyone is different and unfortunately there is not a lot of docs that are knowledgeable with this disease. Wishing you good luck.
  • Lijesm
    Lijesm SortoutLS

    Posted

    what does your doctor mean by part of genetics? It's an auto immune disease, as far as I'm aware it's not hereditary. No-one in my family has ever had it except me. I use clobetasol ointment but have found recently that Emuaidmax is very beneficial in between flare-ups. As for dealing with partners, that is an area that has caused me anguish over the years with my husband who thought I was making up excuses not to have sex. Until I broke down and made him realise that this is a REAL disease and my skin is in a mess and so thin from useing the clob ointment. I don't really hear of men having it but I do belong to a facebook group that is very helpful and sympathetic and mainly women and would probably appreciate some male members (pardon the pun).

    Lichen Sclerosus -sclerosis- UK Support Group For Women it does say for women but there is another guy on there. Good luck

  • brendabuckmstrs
    brendabuckmstrs SortoutLS

    Posted

    Hello. Sorry to hear u have this problem also. Do u have flare ups all on the shaft? If u are circumsiced I guess u don't have the problem of it being under the foreskin. I haven't heard from a male on this site so u are new to me. It will be interesting to see how it affects the male side. Clobetasol cream is the Medicine I hear most of use are one. Twice a day rub on area . I also went on s low carbohydrate diet a month ago and haven't had any flare ups   I rinse off after each bathroom visit with a mixture of 1 tbs baking soda, 1 tbs mule team borax mixed with 1 and 1/2 boiling water to dissolve   After cooled I put in a squirt bottle and leave by commode I haven't had a flare up since May. Cutting out sugar has been a great help for me 

    • SortoutLS
      SortoutLS brendabuckmstrs

      Posted

      Hi Brenda.  I've noticed from this site that it is a predominately a female related issue and not many males have this issue. It's usually under the foreskin it flairs up, that's the only place of symptoms.

      Lijesm- no idea he just said it was part of genetic make up but like yourself there is no past history in the family. 

      It seems like medically GP's and even some sexual health staff are unaware of full details of the disease, not sure if it's something new but you'd imagine it's always kind of being around. 

      Thanks for the responses all and good luck with your own battle. 

  • Sferias
    Sferias SortoutLS

    Posted

    I am a male diagnosed two months ago.  My dermatologist initially put me on a weaker steroid for a month and when I told it did not work he put on clob, the strong steroid.  It has helped with symptoms.  But I wonder if things will ever be the same.  I have at the tip of the penis and the biggest problem I have is rubbing on clothes which irritates it.  I went to a urologist too, and he suggested that as long as redness is addressed is the important thing.  I have a discoloration and am wondering what a remission looks.  I applied the clob twice daily and recently reduced it to once a day.  Despite improvement in discomfort, redness appears out of nowhere. 
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.