Is the steroid cream/ointment just used to handle the itch?

Clobetasol (and in some cases like mine – tacrolimus) gets to the bottom of the inflammation to calm down the cycle of flaring and tearing. The argument that steroid ointment thins the skin is one dermatologists use when telling psoriasis patients not to use the creams around their eyes (because the skin there is already so delicate). But LS creates a thick layer of scar tissue that has a tendency to split. My experience after being untreated for 40 years and having very painful, bloody tears is that thinning the white patches with clob makes them split quite shallowly and heal quickly. Also applying it twice a week around the front has kept the whole vulva from itching, blistering, splitting and swelling – in my case.

Refusing clobetasol for fear of skin-thinning is kind of throwing the baby out with the bath water. I slathered topical corticosteroids all over my hands for thirty years. Yeah, maybe my skin there is a bit more papery than most 64-year-olds. Maybe it's a bit more fragile. But it's a fine line. When I started to worry about side effects fifteen years ago when the internet made information easy to get, I quit cold turkey and then suffered a two-year psoriasis flare-up like I'd never had before. And that was also when the LS got bad fast. I suspect the bit of Betnovate that got into my system through my skin all those years was helping keep LS from getting out of control. So, when I was diagnosed two years ago I just decided to use the prescription and not fuss about possible side effects from using clob on a few square inches of thickened skin.

Thanks for the response.  I did tell him that sex was painful and that I could feel like I was tearing from and that the next day was worse,.

He said use more lubrication and to have sex more so that the vagina would stretch.  He then gave me a 'sample' of RepaGyn which is a hormone free and suppository that relieves dryness and vaginal mucosa.  He said if the LS got worse he would prescribe Dermovate.

He seemed to be brushing me off or at least that is how I felt.  Everytime I have seen him it is like he has seem me for the first time and asks why I am there.,  UGH

Another person having to deal with insufficient caring from their doctor.  It is so sad to read that.  Best is, if possible, to find another doctor and see what you will hear then.  

For me a regular use of the tiniest amount of glob remains necessary to keep LS in control.  Next to the whole regiment of baking soda baths and rinses, plus coconut oil.  And not to forget diet.  (have you tried that already?) (sugar is the main thing, next to alcohol, perhaps no dairy and no gluten) (a matter of testing)  

Also - I would recommend dilation as well.  Regular dilation helps to keep all stretched with you yourself being in control.  After that intercourse is better. (for lube I use fluid coconut oil)