LS with vaginal infection? Related or not?
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hi all, last month I was diagnosed with lichen planus on my scalp. It was a condition that my doctor had been unsuccessfully treating, I thought it was really bad dandruff-until my hair began falling out. Saw a dermatologist 3 weeks ago, he looked at my scalp for a minute, diagnosed me, gave me some meds and rescheduled me for one month later.
Meanwhile, 2 days ago I began having burning pain when urinating. This morning, I woke up with a vaginal infection of some kind and a blister resembling a canker sore on the inner part of my inner labia.
Obviously, I'm going to the ER to find out what it is. I had a group B strep infection 4 years ago and the symptoms are similar, except that never presented with an open sore. I'm scared to take anti-biotics, as I'm trying to detox the yeast out of my body.
I'm wondering, for those of you with lichen sclerosus - Is it possible for LS to cause a vaginal infection? I have cloudy discharge that does not smell right, and swelling of my labia, along with cramping. I'm wondering if the lichen planus on my scalp migrated down south, or if this is some other condition? ANY input appreciated! Can lichen sclerosus cause a vaginal infection that is NOT a yeast infection?
0 likes, 23 replies
Morrell1951 amy22257
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Guppy007 amy22257
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karen41728 amy22257
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Sorry you have LP but try not to get to stressed about it, only makes it worse but I know how difficult it is, I have it to.
How old are you Amy only a lot of these problems start after the menopause, I was diagnosed about 14 years ago but didn't have any symptoms then, it was my dentist that diagnosed it but the last couple of years I have had this burning mouth and itchy scalp I am now 57 also I had abnormal cells after a cervical smear and some treatment I noticed they were both diagnosed at the same time Xx have you had any problems with smear test Amy Xx
powerwoman amy22257
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Go to the doctors asap.
It can be managed.
amy22257
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amy22257
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I am not easily offended and have no problem speaking, in proper medical terminology, about my history and conditions. I underwent extensive, some would say obbsessive, STD/STI testing for over a year after I was assaulted. All negative, thankfully. My current partner of over 3.5 years is my only partner since, and I insisted he be tested too, twice. After multiple clean tests, I think it's fairly safe to say, I don't have that disease.
They refused to to any blood workup, stating no medical need. The did an STD panel-negative. Takes longer for herpes results, they say. They said the Er was for life threatening situations, this wasn't one, so go find the appropriate doctors. Gyno, dermatologist.
In the end, the doctor, upon my third exam, said it wasn't serious, might not be herpes, or very mild.??? White count elevated slightly. He was going to give me comfort meds and gyno referral. The nurse dischared me with instructions on how to wash properly and care for herpes, along with some medicine for herpes. They said, take it or don't, it will go away anyway. Told me to use vaseline for comfort!
I'm certain they are all completely ignorant, and that I have a minor outbreak of lichen-something, or group B strep is returning...but they didn't test for that. At the very least, I think it's sugar related and want to get healthy. I had no idea women were suffering from this awfulness. I already lost a lot of hair to LP, I need to get well!
powerwoman amy22257
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I am really sorry to hear of your distress.
I am sure they can do a proper test for genital herpes. My son unfortunately picked it from someone a while ago and has been freaking out ever since. He is on anti viral drugs from the doctors which he takes every day. They don't consider it serious and they are almost dismissive about it. I would get a second opinion and some tests for it.
I have LS and at first thought it could be genital herpes but it isn't that. There is a social stigma attached to herpes which is not fair. Anyone can get it even if you don't sleep around. The hospital should be able to tell the difference between LS and genital herpes?
I am changing my diet to reduce sugar drastically as I have constant thrush with LS. Try and do that first if LS is your problem.
You could go to a gum clinic and they know exactl how to diagnose conditions?
Morrell1951 amy22257
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Guppy007 amy22257
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gill77081 amy22257
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amy22257
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Here in the US, in Ohio especially, which happens to be where I live, healthcare has gone from good to horrible in the last several years. I believe it comes from two things. Our food and drug administration is restricting access to pain medication, to combat "abuse." Well, abusers are still abusing their drugs and doctors have become like secretaries here in Ohio. They have to chart and document every single thing they do to justify how they do their jobs. The government watches over what they prescribe, and each doctor needs to be within a pre-defined range. Like, a doctor can have X% of patients being treated with narcotics, but if the number were to rise to something higher, he gets "red-flagged" by the drug enforcement agency.
Our new system of government healthcare has affected our care also. Insurance companies are now required to insure anyone, regardless of their medical history. We are required to buy health insurance, or get it for free if qualified, by income. The premiums are so high, that people feel like they need to "use" their money. Like my partner, he paid $7500 for healthcare plan with a $2000 deductible. So, in order for the plan to pay anything, he first has to pay $2000 for care, then their partial coverage pays most of the rest. So, after dropping $7500 on health insurance, he decided to shape up his health. He's been seeing doctors of all kinds, all year, to improve his health. Many other people do this too, because why not? They bought it and paid for it, why not use it?
Well, these people are not wrong in using what they have paid for, but it's causing the entire network of insurers to end up losing money. In turn, they require more documentation for proof of necessity for simple procedures. So, again, the doctors are now typing away at a keyboard rather than actually listening and examining during the 10-20 minutes you get.
I am just now reading the first post correctly, I thought it said something else. So LP can appear in the vagina? It sure looks like tiny bit of LS in medical photos and I'm ignorant to the difference between the two. I would just liken it to go away!
I sincerely apologize for invading the forum with this, I'm just scared. I truly believe that lichen-something is responsible for this infection, which is mild right now, but I'm terrified of getting group B strep active again. Maybe I should be posting in lichen planus forum?
I thought, as did my doctor, that the ER could get the testing and treatment started and give me something for pain. This wouldn't be such a big deal if the holiday wasn't backed up to the weekend. My misfortune to get a serious infection on the eve of a holiday weekend. Should I just allow it to fester until business hours? Good grief. Oh, and they told me to use vaseline for pain relief. I'm afraid to put anything on it, so I guess ibuprofen will have to suffice. Thank you all for your kindness in replying.
I have seen a naturopath for lichen planus. He was the one who educated me to the real cause. I knew yeast could do some awful stuff, but I really had no idea. I sure do love my carbs and sweet treats, but even the New year's cookies have gone out with the trash! I'm allowing myself 1/2 teaspoon of sugar with coffee and that's it! I still have a lot of research to do and need to read the pinned post, but so grateful to have found this forum. Thanks for following my rant.
lynne1945 amy22257
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vaseline will provide a coating for your vulval area and protect it from urine burns. It's not a treatment.
Yes, LP unfortunately invades the vulval area and vagina and the mouth. I have both but stay on this forum for advice on my genital issues, as the other LP forum mainly discusses oral LP, I find. The treatment on vulval LP and LS is almost identical and most soothing remedies help a lot. The ladies are very supportive.
Things will get better. Take care.
karen41728 lynne1945
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I have both it was my dentist that found mine years ago didn't know I had it then but recently have all the burning my mouths a nightmare I am 57 and think after the menopause is when it starts I also had a problem with abnormal cervical cells when I was younger, did you have any problems with smears how old are you
powerwoman amy22257
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I don't think LS can cause a vaginal infection, other than thrush! Perhaps you have thrush? That smells funny and has a discharge. I am just getting over an awful bout of it! Use a Canesten pessary and see if that helps. If not, you should visit a doctor.
netflixandhill amy22257
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Sorry to hear about what you're going through. I was scared I had herpes a few months ago, I was excruciatingly sore down there and my skin was really itchy, it was tearing and then thick layers of skin began peeling off. I noticed a sore that was round and looked like a herpes sore so I went to the doctor. Blood tests for STDs and herpes all came back negative.
Initially I was misdiagnosed with lichen planus and thrush, but then when I went to see the vulval skincare specialist (reputedly very good and she lived up to that reputation) she said straight away that it was lichen sclerosus (pale shiny skin, no hint of labia minora whatsoever, clit almost completely disappeared- no exaggeration. I just thought it was different but normal). Getting thrush when you have LS is just awful- it's what caused my symptoms.
Normal thrush medication didn't work for me, the pessary and creams just had no effect. The only thing that worked was a proper course of fluconazole pills, which I took for I think a week.
Now, I avoid antibiotics like the plague and drink probiotic yoghurt drinks (my sister is a diatetics student and says they often actually prescribe Actimel) and that helps keep everything in check- helps with my IBS too.
While waiting for the thrush pills to work, applying vaseline before peeing really helped and taking shallow baths with bicarbonate of soda seemed to help too.
Hope this helps!
lynne1945 netflixandhill
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I had no discharge, itch or odour so impossible for me to know. It's not the symptoms like thrush I used to get when younger sometimes. Just burning.
She said not to use the canesten or similar cream or pessaries as they could cause more problems. I guess we have enough creams and whatnots going on down there already.
i take a probiotic every day and never touch sugars except the ones in fruit and veggies.
Opposite to you I had a diagnosis of LS for 15 months before deeming a dermo in vulval health who diagnosed me with LP before examination. I knew my mirror didn't reflect what the lichen sclerosis photos showed! Quite a confusing condition and seems to effect everyone differently in some way or another.
amy22257 netflixandhill
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I too, avoid antibiotics like the plague. 4 years ago, when I had non-pregnant group B strep in my blood and caused a vaginal infection, among other issues. Having creeped into my blood, I had no choice but to "just take one round of amoxicillion" which turned into large doses of Cipro and other broad-spectrum antibiotics. But, I got well.
Soon after, the yeast infections began, along with fluconozole pills. Over a period of about 1.5 years, related or not, I had gone from eating a very clean diet to gorging on carbs, refined food and wine. I didn't see an association when it first began, and I actually lost weight. I didn't have much extra weight, so losing it made me very happy. Suddenly I found myself wearing skinny jeans AND eating sugar and carbs, so I buried my head in the sand. Sad, I know. Now I have lichen planus and had to make an immediate, drastic change.
May I ask, what is Actimel? I just began a heavy probiotics regimine. I really believe the yeast must be controlled to control LP. I have almost every symptom of candida overgrowth and LP is further confirmation. What is a normal dose/round of fluconazole pills where you live? Here, for yeast infections, they give one 150mg pill. That usually does the trick, but often it returns 2-6 times before finally going away. Maybe one pill isn't enough?
I'm sorry you also went through the herpes misdiagnosis. Of course, I'm glad you don't have another disease. But it's sad, in 2016, there is still such a huge stigma attached. See my update shortly, as I saw another doctor yesterday. Thanks for your reply and best wishes to you to keep that yeast in check!