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Is the skin fusion caused by cortisone creams

Posted , 7 users are following.

jackie770271
jackie770271

can anyone tell me if the creams we are given to treat LS actually stops the skin fusion or does it make it worse 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • hanny32508
    hanny32508 jackie770271

    Posted

    You're asking a very valid question.  I have had my suspicion at the time when I had used too much ointment at once, but no real proof.  
  • Ireneblake
    Ireneblake jackie770271

    Posted

    I am so glad I saw this post.  I hadn't been on in a while and wanted to share two items with everyone.  I just visited my primary care Dr.  It was our first visit since my Gyn Dr diagnosed the LS.  My Gyn prescribed the Clobetastol and while it did stop the symptoms quickly I decided to pursue natural remedies.  Then my primary Dr told me the steroid cream prescribed was very strong and did in fact promote fusing, not stop it.  He felt it was ok to use to stop a painful outbreak, but not to use twice a week just to maintain.  Then...over the past 5 months I have been using coconut oil as a regular cream, and this in conjunction with almost daily epsom salt baths and reducing, as much as possible, stress...I have not had an active episode during this entire time.  I do also use A&D ointment (fish oil based) for rectal soreness after cycling and this helps tremendously.  I hope this helps.
    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 Ireneblake

      Posted

      My fusing occurred before using the cream, after using the cream I have had no more fusing...with regards to Docs, I take what they say with a pinch of salt, because quite honestly they don't always know, and more so when it comes to L.S!    

      Due to the lack of research into this condition I feel it would be foolhardy for people reading this to stop using their cream.  I do think the regular use of bic soda and coconut oil helps a lot, stops the possibilities of fusing, and diet is very important of course,  but I think until money is spent on research we will all just be sharing our thoughts and personal solutions because everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

       

  • kate207
    kate207 jackie770271

    Posted

    As I understand it the fusing occurs when raw surfaces meet and 'bond' together. The clob helps to prevent the underlying inflammation, thus preventing the occurrance of these raw surfaces. In my own case I've had no further fusing so far, (said she, touching wood as she types!) but I did reduce to an over-the- counter 1% hydrocortisone cream after initial treatment with clob.  Diet is so important to prevent flares, as is the avoidance of stress. Some people find liberally covering the affected areas with a thick cream such as zinc and castor oil cream can help prevent raw edges adhering together while a flare is being brought under control.
  • Morrell1951
    Morrell1951 jackie770271

    Posted

    My fusing all happened before I was diagnosed and prescribed clobetasol, which has gradually (over 18 months) reduced the frequency and severity of flares. If I blame anything for the fusing it's stress and sex-while-flared. Guppy's right – clob is all we have for now. There's lots we can do to prevent flares and soothe them when they happen, but it's not a substitute for the only meds we have. I have no confidence in the word of one doctor any more. There's a lot of ignorance out there.
  • Chrisy
    Chrisy jackie770271

    Posted

    Hi Jackie, 

    Like others on this site I do not believe that the steroid treatments cause the fusing.  Many doctors will comment on treatments without full knowledge because they think you expect them to know and that if they admit they do not know you will lose faith in them altogether, they will state things that they think are true but are not necessarily so.  The best advise is for you to research yourself and to draw your own conclusions based on how different treatments affect you.  DR Goldstein's webinair mentioned in the first pinned chat on this forum is the greatest sorce of information we have at the moment and worth the hour it takes to listen to.   Good question though makes us all think about things.

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