just diagnosed with ls

If you read back threads on this site you will find a lot of really helpful advice and kindness too. Basically  the undercarriage is inflammed and the tissue is much thicker than it should be- the fusing may  be a result of the inflammation, To try and reduce this sore redness we have found that bathing with bicarbonate of soda in the bath to reduce the acidity will help impede the growth of yeast infections which worsens the discomfort. So Wash  yourself gently and dab dry, apply the Dermovate as directed then about 20 mins later apply a barrier ointment or cream of your choice- depending whic country you're in - you can buy over the counter nappy tyoe creams which will help to keep the urine off the area Do try and keep ALL body fluids off the undercarriage at all times. Bathe rather than shower you must get all old creams and ointments off the skin before applying new- you DO NOT want to get an infection on top of everything else - for no other reason you have enough to contend with, more heat there isnt nice!

Do read the threads here but DO NOT scare yourself by trawling thro the internet in general- this site will help you manage your condition, most people do have periods of remission- so all is not gloom and doom. I will say tho you do have to be a bit patient- there is no magic potion for this condition. Keep your stress levels down  or manage your stress so the flare up is lessened, reduce the sugar in your diet and look at what helps the others by changing aspects of their own diets which seems to help them individually. We are all very different and our bodies react to different things in unique ways for the most part. Wear loose clothing - go commando if necessary but wear long skirts!! No smellies on the area and take heart

Good luck Sue

It's important to keep on top of thrush, as I found the hard way - even if you've never been prone to thrush outbreaks before, thrush loves damaged skin so if you've any doubts, take some thrush medication. I found out that what I thought was continuing pain from the LS was just thrush.

Small changes can make a huge difference to your comfort. Wear boring loose cotton knickers, and check that the gusset seams are smooth. If you're you're wearing trousers buy ones with flat seams, or sew them down flat yourself. In hot weather its better to sleep with nothing on down there. Some people on this forum have found its best to avoid chlorinated swimming pools.  I've found swimming in the sea to be really good, I suppose the cold waters calms the inflammation for a while and the salt is good for any little abrasions. Different barrier creams work for different people, I've found that small amounts of coconut oil are good, but all the nappy creams make me sore - experiment!

I've had this for about 5 years now and it's really not a significant problem any longer, its just a matter of routine and applying my cream. Now that its fairly well controlled I can use 1% over-the -counter hydrocortisone cream which is about 600 times less potent than the dermovate so I don't have to worry about long-term effects of potent steroids.

The worst thing you can do is obsess about this  (I did at first) because stress is the number one cause of flare-ups! Things will get better, I promise!

Hi sorry that you have had to join us.

We are all different, and react differently to different treatments, and so the important thing is to become well informed about Lichen Schlerosus, read as much as you can, and don't rely too heavily on the words of doctors, because they aren't always correct when it comes to the condition of LS, sorry to say it, but it is true!!    

You are going to have to look at your undercarriage regularly in a magnified mirror to monitor your condition, and apply your cream. When you apply the cream, only use a tiny bit, about the size of a pearl. The cream your doc has suggested sounds about right for a twice a day application, however, I do think three months is a long time, and as a suggestion, perhaps you might be better using your own judgement, taking into account how your body is looking and feeling.  

Whilst I am clearly not a Doctor or medical practitioner, I do however feel that I am qualified enough to tell you, that I too have used the cream that you have been prescribed for a week, resulting in favorable results, and then I continued to use it twice a week for maintenance, until all appeared well down below, you may of course need much longer, but my point is that only you can ultimately be the judge of how long it takes before you see some results. You also mentioned pigment discoloration, by this I am guessing you have white areas/patches, and so it is important not to be afraid of using the cream, as you will need to get this flare under control.

With regards to sex, I think your Gyno is correct,  narrowing of the vaginal opening is a common problem, and so if you are able to have sexual relations then that  is a good thing for LS, that said, it is not always that simple, I can have sex, but it is not the spontaneous robust sex that I have had in the past (bearing in mind my husband has to rearrange furniture and seating arrangements, to get the best leverage possible!....it's  bit of a military operation!)  as tearing, and sore areas can occur, and if someone is in a flare, then really I don't think it is such a good idea, as it's best to wait, or you could feel very sore afterwards, and even cause yourself more problems long term.

Many women spray their undercarriage after using the bathroom, with a mixture of water and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda, and in my experience that does help, however you will need to have something like coconut oil, emu oil, or even vaseline to apply afterwards to keep everything well lubricated, as one of the more serious aspects of  LS is vaginal fusing, which I suggest you should read about, and make yourself as well informed as possible regarding this potential unfortunate symptom of LS, which can often be avoided with vigilance.

just to add my good wishes and to appreciate this thread...everything seems to have been said!!

I was very grateful for the suggestion of avoiding grains...gluten in particular...and thereafter dairy. things have calmed right down for me. x