LS linked with previous scar tissue? any similar experience?

I have experienced the same problem. After giving birth over 20 years ago, I tore badly. The tear took a long time to heal and sometime later I started experiencing severe itching and soreness in the area.

The skin in the area was much whiter than normal. Eventually I had a biopsy taken and was told it was Lichen (something or other) but was given no treatment except steriod cream. This helped a little but unfortunately I still experience problems with itching and some shrinking of the skin. I am now on HRT and this appears to have helped a little.

I have found that the steroid cream helps with the itching and nappy cream helps with the soreness. This is an awful condition I sympathise with you.

Hi Buddy, thanks for responding to this, just checked in today after a week or so and notice you've just left it!

It's good to hear of another with similar causes (though sorry for you suffering it). I'm convinced the existing scar tissue was the start of this with me and I'm amazed there hasn't been more research done into causes, effects and potential cures. I can't complain as I know I have a relatively mild case of this compared to the awful symptoms others suffer but then again it could still get worse with me (I hope not).

I use Trimovate steroid cream when it flares. The gyni recommended I use unperfumed soap in that area which has made a massive difference and I use Dermol now most days which has reduced the need for Trimovate over the last month - so far so good.

I agree, this is an awful condition and I sympathise with you and everyone else who suffers from it.

Hello, I've not actually been formally diagnosed yet but I'm pretty sure its LS that I've got. I can see 2 or 3 tiny white spots on the labia, and sometimes there's very red patches, and I get dreadful itching and soreness too, which varies in intensity. This has been going on for months (probably about a year) and I've now had Canesten, oestrogen cream, and steroid cream from my GP and the only thing that helped was the steroid cream. I was supposed to have a routine smear test at the surgery a couple of weeks ago but I was so sore they couldn't do it, which has prompted the GP to refer me to the hospital. So I'm not using anything at the moment as I'm waiting for the hospital appointment and it's important they can see the condition when I go. As it happens I'm single (divorced 4 years ago) so sex isn't a problem. I'm just 60, and post-menopausal, but it was interesting to read the comments about previous injury possibly causing this problem. I tore very badly with my first baby, and also had to have stitches with the second. In addition, I had two gynaecological operations in my 30's for removal of both Bartholin glands (the ones that lubricate the vagina). So not only do I most likely have scar tissue on both sides of the vagina where the incisions were made, I don't have the glands to help lubricate it either!! I think it's important the mental/emotional aspects of this are taken into consideration, alongside the physical discomfort. I don't have a partner currently but I'd like to think there might still be someone out there for me, and it's fairly depressing to feel as if you're shrivelling up from the inside .... Having said that I'm an optimist by nature so hopefully something can be done, once I've had a proper diagnosis, to help alleviate the worst of this condition. Good luck to everyone else out there who's having to deal with it.

Hi Womaninablackdress, thanks for replying to this thread. I hope you get your appointment through soon and get some relief once you've been seen. I remember holding off on the steroid myself just prior to my gynae appointment! hell! I hope you don't have too long to wait.

Really interesting to hear that you too not only tore giving birth but had other op's aswell. My theory (based on nothing but my experience and gut instinct!) is that trauma to the area through any surgical intervention can weaken the area and make it more prone and vulnerable to LS. Maybe the more op's the greater the vulnerability? or maybe once is enough? who knows, there will be many variables. Anyway, this is just one of many triggers, at the end of the day we have it now and how we treat it and live with it now and in the future is the important thing. With the total lack of research into LS I'll just always find myself WONDERING!

All the very best, take care and keep posting, there is this forum and also ls-bxo.org, good to link up with others and know you're not alone x

Hi

Just had an unconfirmed diagnosis of LS (after years of confusion, sore and itchy 'bits'!). I too had stitches after childbirth 30+ years ago which did not heal well. After 6 months of painful sex the doctor said I had granulation tissue which he treated successfully. The LS symptoms are in the same area.

I am going for a biopsy of the area next week to check the diagnosis.

I have had relief from Timodine and have been prescribed this in the meantime, perhaps because it is more of an all-purpose cream.

I would welcome any comments.

Thanks

I was diagnosed with LS 4 months ago and the initial site of the white patches was round a 42 year old scar from the birth of my elder daughter. I'm not sure what significance this could have after such a very long time!