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Lichen Planus- vulvar, new diagnosis

Posted , 3 users are following.

netflixandhill
netflixandhill

Hi,

I have just been diagnosed with LP vulvar, it has also affected my breasts and small patches on my torso. I've had it for a long time and just didn't know what it was, with flare ups that come and go- everywhere but the vulva, which has been rather constant and suddenly got worse about a month ago. Been in agony with the vulvar part for the past week because taking antibiotics for an ear infection meant severe thrush also got thrown into the mix.

The doctor said it was unusual for someone of my age to suffer from lichen planus (I'm 26), so I have to go to a dermatologist for their review. I'm also an IBS sufferer, I noticed on a lot of other posts that many people that mentioned LP/LS also have IBS.

I've been given Trimovate but, so far, the only thing that stops the itching long enough for me to get to sleep is Vagisil, which I'm worried will cause problems long-term even though it brings temporary relief.

I'm dreading going back to work tomorrow and don't know when/whether I'll get my sex life back with my amazing boyfriend. Feeling really rubbish sad

Can anyone give a newb some advice? Would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance x

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Sasr24
    Sasr24 netflixandhill

    Posted

    Oh my, I am so sorry you have been diagnosed with LP/OLP at such a young age.  This illness is so difficult to manage.  When you say you were diagnosed, was it through a biopsy?  My LP/OLP is active in my mouth now, but in the past I had it vaginally for three different periods. The only thing that helped the pain for me was corn starch.  I would dab it on with cotton makeup pads.  Sometimes it was a little messy, but it helped me so much.  I made a little kit and took it to work with me.  My dermatologist put me on an immune suppressant 18 months ago.  I want to get off it as soon as I can, but so far my OLP is very persistent.  I pray your amazing boyfriend will be patient with you.  I can't offer advise there, but hopefully someone else here can.  Let us know what your dermatologist says.
  • kaleani75551
    kaleani75551 netflixandhill

    Posted

    Dear 26 - i am so sorry!  You are too young to get that crappy LP.  I am much much older and I have the oral LP and the vulvar, they are just there and they do not cause any pain or itching or burning...at least so far.   My gynecologist prescribed Estrace cream (estrogen) for the vulva, she thinks I have vaginal atrophy (that's what old people get) have to apply for 2 weeks and then off nd on for 2 more weeks.  I think her diagnosis is wrong, i have no doubt it is LP from pics i see online, and they say if you have LP in one part of the body you can be sure it will show up in another part.  I go along with her diagnosis, who knows i might work and it is only for a few wks anyway.  

    Well, liste, hang in there, be positive as the negative only worsen things. 😊

  • netflixandhill
    netflixandhill

    Posted

    Thanks for the replies, both of you! No, it wasn't through biopsy, but the symptoms were very clear. I knew it'd either be LP or LS before I even went, to be honest. My labia minora just isn't there, and I never realised before.... I hope I can get things back to normal. I have huge chunks of skin that have peeled away and left sore patches that aren't healing and are painfully itchy considering my thrush hasn't yet cleared up. Hope I can sit still today!

    I think the only reason they didn't diagnose it when I had the marks on my breasts was because of my age.I'll definitely try cornstarch! I've only applied Trimovate twice so far but it seems to be making it worse, though I guess it could be one of those cases where it has to get worse before it gets better.

    I feel better just having you guys to talk to, to be honest- today feels much more positive! And the boyfriend is super patient, I'm a lucky girl.

  • netflixandhill
    netflixandhill

    Posted

    Update: just had a bath with baking soda, taken an antihistamine, let the area air-dry then applied vaseline, resolved to stop taking Cerazette (contraceptive pill) since I can't have sex right now anyway. I don't think the steroid cream is going to work for me....hopefully one of the above things will and I will happily keep the lot going forever just for some sleep tonight! Haha
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