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lichen sclerosis

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pinkcat
pinkcat

I think alot of people have an itch in the genital area and presume it is a sexual transmitted disease. I am over 60 and became aware of this itch which of course I itched which I now know makes it worse. I did go to the doctor and he suggested dryness due to age and end of menopause and suggested vaginal lubrications which helped but didn t totally stop itch. You do start to feel desperate. After about 6 mths my smear was due and the nurse suggested I had a white area in my genital area and suggested I get it checked at clinic. In desperation I went to a private gynaecologist who immediately suggested it looked like lichen sclerosis which I had never heard of. I then went armed with a letter from this private gynaecologist to my doctor who immediately arranged for me to see an NHS gynaecologist. He took biopsy which resulted in me being advised I had LS. I was given dermovate to use for four weeks morning and night and then hydrocortisone for six months once a day. After 3 months I have a second appt to check area. I think the main thing is you must not scratch the area and I found using this cream there was no need. But I do think GP s dont know much about this problem and a lot of women are suffering undiagnosed.

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  • joyfulone3
    joyfulone3 pinkcat

    Posted

    I was told I may have Lichen planus but after reading everything I can find I believe it is Lichen Sclerosus. My GP didn't have a clue what it was and treated me for yeast and bacterial vaginosis. All lab results came back negative. This cost me a couple of weeks. Then I asked for a referral to a GYN which took a couple more weeks. In all I think it was two months from the time my symptoms flared up until I got into see a GYN. I was shocked to get the diagnosis and didn't want to believe it. I got a bit depressed and then just plain angry  and decided I was not going to let this ruin my life. So after a week of not using the cream, clobetasol propionate ointment, I got with it. I have also been using antihistamine tablets. What convinced me was finding a patch on my perineum and seeing it tear while I was examining myself. It was frightening. I have also been soaking in warm baths with Epsom salt and that has helped. This weekend my scalp started itching so I  am concerned I may be developing lichen planus of the scalp. I have scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist for that. I just want to thank you all. In all my web searches the discussions on this message board have have meant a lot to me. Just finding others who understand what I am experiencing is such a comfort.
    • Chrisy
      Chrisy joyfulone3

      Posted

      The use of anti histamine tablets is a good idea for flare ups.  They do certainly help calm inflammation.  I now find that when my tears occur I just think a naughty word and reach for the Manuka Honey which seems to calm things for me really quickly.  Everyone is different and will find their own cures or help.  I hope you do not have LP on your scalp.  I have just had biopsies for white marks in my mouth.  I am not sure of the results which I know they have know but I will have to wait until late May for the results as that is the first appointment they could give me.  They do not seem to be in a hurry to let me know.  I am taking that as a good thing and that it is definately not cancer.  In the meantime though I have a very sore mouth.  I am starting to use homeopathic remedies to try to calm things down.  Good luck
    • Chrisy
      Chrisy

      Posted

      Just an update.  It wasn't cancer and not inflammed enough to diagnose LP at the moment.  Mouth has calmed down but I still have a white area. Still all seems good at the moment.
  • auburn2000
    auburn2000 pinkcat

    Posted

    I have found that organic cider vinegar mixed with water and misted on really helps. My Dr says she is amazed at that fact I have found something that helps.  I use it whenever I need it. I carry a small spray bottle with the mixture in my purse the bottle is about 4 or less  inches long with a tight cap.  About 1 T to the rest water. I have also just found Emu oil... what a wonderful help it has been. It says use a tiny bit so it won't leave you greasy but I use quite a bit and I don't care as long as it makes me stop itching. So sometimes I use both.  I read about both of them by reading forums just like this. I hope that helps
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