New to site, LS, live in Cape Town

The info given is good.  My doctor also said not to use bleach  or fabric softner on my undergarments or towels that might have to touch me there.  I rely on coconut oil to protect skin after bathing.  If using Clob wait to use the coconut oil for an hour or so after medicine so clob will be effective.    Good luck and hope you find some success in treating it.  

        I also found that the lack of information among my doctors to be disturbing.  I even had one give me Premarin to apply to aid the condition of the skin, and then another finally did a biospy and identify the LS.  He gave my Clob and referred me to this site to learn more. 

    I had a removal of my ovaries and uteres for cancer about 7 years ago and then after that was when the LS developed.  I tried over the counter meds for a few years then I finally ask the doctor to help me.   I think the dietary into is important also.  I am off gluten and dairy, and try to stay off sugar.   When I do eat veggies more I think I am better.   Good luck and keep reading.

So sorry to hear your suffering.  I was diagnoised about 2 years ago.  My GYN put me on Clobestro l cream in a tube 2 times a week.  It helps a lot and will stop the spread.  I use a very gentle soap on the area, never soap with detergent, I use baby wipes that only have viamin E after each time I use the bathroom.  I also developed Hypothroyid, choking while eating and many bladder infections.  I use a salve like vasoline after the wipes to keep the area from cracking and tearing.  Many of these other problems appear to affect many of the women.  KEEP THE AREA SPOTLESS, most important.  I wish you the best from Florida, USA

Those who have walked a bit in your shoes may be able to better understand, they say.  My biggest help came from baking soda baths and rinses and application of coconut oil for moisturizing.  Glob for maintenance twice a week.

Trying to live a life without too much stress (a bit of a challenge at times) Cutting out food items like sugar, alcohol, gluten, caffeine and most dairy.  Plus hormone replacement. Supplements may have an added affect -  vit D, C for instance.   

Wow, thanks for all the replies and information...I finally got the guts to write to you all late last night and now I am very pleased I did so thank you!!! 

Couple of quick questions: 

In terms of hair removal (keeping it neat), I haven't been able to do much but does it help to keep things shorter or should I just leave alone?

Coconut oil - as in the stuff I use in the kitchen?

Can I use normal aqueous cream that comes in the tub?

Food stuff - trying to cut down on sugar and carbs...not so sure I will manage cutting out the caffine and alcohol with two incredibly active (naughty) little boys - I do need to survive

Barrier cream - do I use baby barrier cream or is there an adult one?

I was told that my ovaries (eggs) were old - hence the fertility (even though I eventually fell pregnant naturally with both boys)... I suppose this could mean that I going to hit menopause early...therefore the hormone changes?  

Stress...job, husband, small kids...LS...creating a lot of stress in my life at the moment. Not getting to the gym as much as I would like.  I have also had 7 knee ops and both ankles which doesn't help so swimming at the gym pool is the best excercise for me but LS flares up when I do a lot of training!!! *angry face* 

Thanks again, so pleased that I have finally got the courage to face LS and to actively do something about it...need to do a lot of work...

'When women support each other, incredible things happen!'

Leah x

Hi Leah

Some thoughts;

could the chlorine in the pool be causing flares? there was a thread about that a while ago, maybe you could search it. I'm having to rush out, sorry so I've only got time for a quick reply.

Nappy cream is good. I used Weleda Calendula nappy cream to good effect, others use a barrier cream with Zinc and find it soothes. Coconut oil - I use organic raw food grade from my local health food shop, and keep a tub in the bathroom to use after every visit. I've got young kids too but found that I drastically reduced coffee, and have now managed to cut it out. I still have the ocasional glass of wine and don't flare. And REALLY enjoy it for the rarity!

Normal aqueous cream ok but check for perfumes and avoid if there are any. I found something called Epaderm much better, if you google it you could find out if there's an equivalent where you are.

Got to rush off now, hope that's helpful. We're all different and have the things that work best for each of us, but you'll get to find your own favourites as you go.

Good Luck!