Loss of parts due to the Clob or the LS

No, the ointment prevents the atrophy if used enough. I now use it every night because I feel we were so worried about overuse we did not cover the areas properly or with enough ointment. 

I use Advantan fatty ointment and make sure I use sufficient. A pea sized amount is not enough that people recommend. It must be more than that if you are covering a large area.

I use one lot to do the front and then a second lot to do the back part probably the size of a finger nail for each. I do not have long fingernails.

Sara:

I had atrophy going on before the LS showed up.  I am so leary of the steroid ointment I don't think I am using it enough.  The damage from the steroid is that it thins the skin and I'm not too sure how much skin there is to lose.  Good question about about fusing and adhesions.  I had my first rip or tear or whatever it is, it healed quickly, then the redness and itching in the fatty area about the clitoris.  I did not take any of this seriously enough, doctor told me to follow up with him and I did not do it. After using this forum I now realize it is not a light matter and is progressive.  Will I lose alll my girl parts eventually?  What can stop it?  I am thankful I am not sexually active and can use my time alone to rest and heal.  Why is it that I never heard about LS ever, from any woman or doctor antil I had it.  Two lady doctors could not even diagnose it, told me it was an itchy allergy.  No one talks about it.

I will pay attention to see if you get any info;. on the fusion and atrophy.

I don't think the steroid causes atrophy, my GP said you could use it more there than on other parts of the body. When this awful condition first came to my notice I hadn't looked " down there" in years, why would you? When I did I was surprised by the difference, things had changed quite a lot and I had not been using anything. I was told that some of the atrophy is age related, I am in my 70s.

i continue to use dermovate when white or sore patches show and emu oil or coconut oil to combat dryness on a daily basis and seem to be on top of it at the moment, but I do think there is gradual disappearance of bits!

I feel so sorry for you younger sufferers, it must be devastating to feel you are losing such an important part of your femininity, as well as having to suffer the symptoms.

Hi Sara, It is a difficult one to assess when each one of us is at different levels. Grading can be anything from mild to severe and the use and length of use suits accordingly. Your GP or Gyn. should advice you on your needs. Steroids are recommended to hold back the progression of active LS. If LS is irritable or itching it then causes inflammation and it is the imflamation that causes the damage not the steroid which is used to calm the imflammation. 

I too am confused about what atrophy is and if the steroid cream helps or hinders. I was told by my gyn that I was under using too as on my previous visit I was told the 30mg tube was to last me three months. Once a day for a month, every other day for a month and once a week for a month. I was only using tiny amount to let it last but that only slowed down any healing so now I have had the ointment put on repeat from the doc and can ask for it how I like. I have just started using baby oil gel too which has given me great relief x

I understand your doubts.  Your question is a common one.  Everyone one with LS is reluctant at first to apply the steroid as prescribed.  We fear the 'thinning of the tissue."  But in fact, it is the LS is the cause of fusing.  That is why our doctors prescribe Clobetasol or equivalent to help keep the LS under control.  If we were to stop using the steroid, there would be much more fusing.  Atrophy happens natually as one ages as well.   If you read back in previous posts, you will see that fusing seems to occur when the condition seems to have lessened so one is not watching closely and does not keep up the steroid regime.  Hard for us to believe, but true.  My gynecologist reminded me last visit, that we use the steroid routine to keep the LS from becoming destructive. Please refer to Dr. Goldstein's LS webinar.  It helps to explain why we need not fear the steroid.

All the best.