LS and Itching? Searching for advice so I don’t spend another night crying.
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi everyone,
I've been creeping this sight for a while and am in dire need of advice as this has been months long:
-In October (5 months ago), I developed a slight itch and some minor redness/swelling on my vulva. And by slight, I mean maybe once or three times a day with only the smallest sensation of itch or tingle. Visited my gyno who thought it was dermatitis as my BV and yeast test came back negative. Treated it, but the small itch stayed.
-Went for follow-up, she noticed a small freckle on my clitoris. Removed/biopsied in November. Biopsy came back benign, but had yeast. Began Difulcan, but small itch stayed.
-December, symptoms went away and I believe my "yeast" infection was cleared.
-January, itch came back more severely one morning, but then returned to the normal, barely there, not every day itch. Had some small discharge amounts of white, but not cottage cheese like. Gyno diagnosed yeast again.
-February, still treating for yeast. Tiny itches, sometimes redness.
-March, asked about a biopsy for LS, but she seems confident my skin down there looks fine.
I've tried Fluconozole, Terconazole, Monistat, Clotrimazole cream, and Clob (when we thought it was dermatitis). Nothing works. I haven't noticed white patches, nor tearing. And the yeast hasn't tested positive in my vagina, just on the labia. My perineum looks slightly shiny, but I haven't noticed changing and my gyno insists I don't need a biopsy yet.
Long story short, can you describe your LS itching? Was it slight and inconstant, or constant and major? Should I push for a biopsy? I can't stand to spend another weekend alone and crying, please help!
0 likes, 6 replies
SnappyCat ScaredInOk
Edited
1....try some lidocaine at night - or maybe oral benadryl.
2. Mine did feel like you describe. But, I have no idea what it looked like cuz I wasn't in the habit of looking at the time.
3. There was an article by a scientist named Gayle Fischer (I think) from australia about both chronic thrush and LS. Do a google search on "Gayle Fischer diagnosis and treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus". you should come up with a professional paper on a site called reserachgate. It also addresses chronic thrush. I think it might be worth printing off and taking to your doc.
sarah24152 ScaredInOk
Posted
Hi,
I had no itching and not a lot of skin change - a very switched on GP referred me because my labia minora were flatter than she would have expected for my age (52) and i felt so sore.
The Gyn said she could see what the GP was saying but couldn't diagnose it by sight it was so mild so I had to have a biopsy. Not nice but glad I knew absolutely without doubt and promptly got the right treatment. LS can be sneaky.
Have you got someone you an share your worries with in confidence ?
Emotional upset will make it worse but how can you not stress ?
Try listening to some calm music - devise a playlist of songs that lift your mood.
Google the Laura Mitchell Relaxation technique
and explain to your GP how much anxiety this is causing.
Hope its not LS but if it is there's lots of help and support here and you will learn to cope with it - lots of adjustments that become part of your new routine.
Good Luck x
Nancy_K_B ScaredInOk
Edited
Hi there Oklahoma gal,
I agree with SnappyCat that you will need to educate your gyno and taking an article or two is very helpful. In the meantime however, if you've been scanning this group for 5 months you may have run across suggestions re: diet changes - i.e. no sugar, test wheat elimination and dairy elimination.
Worldwide deficiency of Vitamin D and worldwide deficiency of magnesium have been well established. I first was alerted to this from my own cardiologist (I'm 74) but once I realized I had LS I really did an indepth google search of any other nutritional deficiencies and then created a whole list I've posted on my "page" profile or whatever. If you're interested just click on my name and go to the right to "discussions" and down to find out about the nutrition to deal with autoimmune issues. Aloe vera gel is also really soothing, as well as coconut oil, but realize this is an internal imbalance so we have to deal with our nutrient balance as well. Blessings.... be well.
brenda23819 ScaredInOk
Posted
when i had mine i had white patches there with little white bumps on my vulva and itched like crazy. if you have ls it dontgo away real quick. plus now i have this own my skin and its small white rash that doent go away quick at all
JCPT44 ScaredInOk
Posted
Hello Hun!
In my opinion you have given your doctor more than enough time to solve the issue at this point I would push for a biopsy as soon as possible . Everyone knows that if you can catch something fast enough is always a plus. This is your body and you have to make sure that your OK! If your still having these uncomfortable symptoms and its been months, I would say that your request is warranted. Also remember just because your having the itch does not mean you have Lichens so stay positive and seek comfort . HUGS
hanny32508 ScaredInOk
Edited
For some gentle treatment I use baking soda baths and rinses - three pinches in a Perin bottle to rinse after bathroom visit and 1/3 cup in a full bath. It calms things down for me. Then watch your diet - most people experience that leaving out added sugar is beneficial. I'm also gluten free, alcohol free, caffeine free. All little bits help.
Check out the topic on Borax. Has been a tremendous help for me.
And try to live as much as possible a stress free life.
Hopefully the above helps you on your way. Many doctors do not know much about LS. hence your trial and error. I wish that was different. But luckily there is this website.