Lichen Sclerosus

Hi,

you poor thing.  I think it's the loss of control we feel when we are trying to solve the issue but feel like we are getting nowhere.  Also I myself think we need support psychologically with this disease just like any other disease as emotionally because it is part of our femininity it affects us.  It is after all a very intimate area to have people to look at, well it is with me anyhow.  Do you have lesions that are sore?  I also have developed ulceration which I am worried about and have only developed since Christmas.  Do they cover a large area?  Mine seem to have fluid in as well.  Do you think that the dermovate has caused dermatitis of some kind?  I got told to stop putting it where the ulcers are and got told mine was vestibuladynia and in the area where the ulcers where.  I'm just wondering if you have anything like that plus L S?  I know it's depressing as we just want the condition diagnosed and then a treatment plan but things seem so slow some times. X

I have found relief of skin soreness with daily use of a moisturizer. Try Aquaphor or vitamin E or coconut oil. I think that stops any cracking of this delicate skin. And I think a bath with 1/3 cup of baking soda helps with inflammation. And talk talk talk to your doctor. For LS, the Clobetasol (steroid) is the best medical treatment they have.

Hi

Mary I have the Clobetasol steroid.  It helps but I still cannot get this under control!

Hopefully the biopsy next week will give further help on this disease!

Hello

Thanks Mary.  Yes I wear cotton underwear.  Thank you for your good wishes.

I didn't used to have ulcers but I do now.  And I wasn't as red and sore!  Where they took the biopsy, there seems to be a whole there.  Does this go away?  And now it is very sore next to this area!  I think another ulcer is forming despite using Dermovate cream!

Hi, Have you modified your diet at all? have you tried eliminating some foods to test that you are okay with them, like Gluten, and Dairy for example, because unfortunately for some women diet plays a huge role and so it might be something you want to think about if you have not already.  I know that Gluten is toxic for me, and will definitely bring on a flare up if i ever cheat, and so nowadays it is out of the question.  Sugar is also a HUGE trigger for some women, and so that has to be watched also.  I know it is depressing but it might be that you will need to try completely eliminate gluten for a month to see if things improve, you will have to stick to it rigidly, and by the end of the month you should have an idea if things are better.  

With regard to the ulcers, if the ulcers are on the outside of your Vjay, then it is Lichen Sclerosus, but if the ulcers are inside your Vjay, (inside your labia minora) than it could be vaginal lichen planus, I just thought I would mention that.

I am a big believer in less is more, and I think in your shoes I would lay off the Dermovate for a few days, try bathing in salt water two or three times a day, drying the area well, (you can use a hairdryer on cool setting) and then applying a different cream, even vaseline would work until the intensity of pain reduces, then, after a couple of days of that, when things are calmer, I would stop the vaseline, and  try to dry out the area by constantly keeping it dry, which takes some work, but can often clear things up, again, the hairdryer helps.

I completely understand! Here is what I have learned and tried... I live in the US so I was prescribed Clobetasol. I ended up allergic to it. I saw a Dermatologist who took me off and switched to Elidel. There is also Protopic. These are not steroids. They work differently and do not thin the tissues. I also use the lubricant called YES- this is made in the U.K; All natural. I also wear silk undergarments/ no cotton. I am reinforcing the thread on Borax mineral solution; works wonders. Lastly, I am undergoing the Mona Lisa Touch laser procedure. This has been life changing. I hope these suggestions help you. I have been driving this train alone for a long time. The Mona Lisa has been the biggest difference!!! Day to day quality of life and sex life is back to normal.

Hello

Thank you to everyone for your helpful comments.  I have found that I definitely cannot have onions!  This will give me an attack.  And sugar seems to play a part unfortunately and this is something I cannot do without completely.  I try to ration myself though.  Maybe I have LS and LP, will know more next week.

Moisturing I think helps.  So today I have been doing this a lot!  At the moment this evening it is slightly calmer and I am not burning, but during the night anything can happen!  I always find the flare up happens overnight!  I have also found, and this may sound ridiculous, but when I get a flare up, I take a anti histamine tablet which seems to help a bit.

Hi Powerwoman,

Have you tried the other treatments mentioned on this site: baking soda baths, the Borax treatment that has been discussed here, using Emu oil or coconut oil throughout the day, etc.?  If not, give them a try.  As Mary said,  you will get bettter and you will be able to have sex again.  I did, so I know it's possible.