Not diagnosed yet but definate LS symptoms

So sorry this has happened to you.   The itch is awful, I can sympathize!   What my GYN and Dermatologist told me to do was to get Cortizone 10 Ointment, not Cream, and use it morning and night.  That will help until you get to the appt. mid September.....they will prescribe and direct you then, but for now the Cortizone 10, cotton underwear only, rinsing after urinating and using olive oil, coconut oil or even Crisco will help between application of Cortizone 10 morning and night!!!

Hi Tracy, welcome to the forum. Wealth of knowledge, advice and support on here.

I understand how crazy the itching can get you. I made myself bless on a couple of occasions before I was diagnosed correctly and had Dermovate prescribed. One of the things you can look into is your diet. Without making your life a misery try to keep sugar to a minimum. A huge number of us have found sugar to cause that's ups. I'm on an anti inflammatory diet which is easy to keep to ( with the odd off piste times on holiday etc) it's made such a difference. You could also buy a barrier cream which will protect and moisturiser the vulva. I use HYDROMOL OINTMENT - NOT cream.

Also If you are prescribed Dermovate/Clobesterol ask for the OINTMENT not cream as it is easier to spread and absorbed more easily. Also ALWAYS rub it in for at least 90 seconds. Good luck at your appointment. Let us know how you get on xx

Another thing I'm finding really hard, is sharing with my partner. He is a man few words and is grossed out by period sex. It was so hard telling him, and you know he googled it and what he saw. I told him, not much was said. He said he wouldn't leave me, but I know our "relations" are going to be non existent. I hope it does not turn out like that..but another side effect of LS I guess

What has helped me a lot is not using ANY soap “down there”. I bought some very inexpensive newborn wash cloths to wipe the area when I take a bath. Also, if you use pantie liners do not, repeat do not, use scented ones. In fact I bought natural 100% cotton liners online and use them less frequently. If you exercise with leggings, find some that aren’t so tight and occlusive. I got rid of all of mine that were made out of nylon and spandex and bought ones made out of polyester and spandex. The fabric is more breathable. Until you get into the doctor, buy some inexpensive skirts and wear them without undies when you’re home. Before I was diagnosed with LS I thought I was allergic to toilet paper! Just couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on. Oh, my provider recommended A and D ointment to use between applications of the topical steroid. That worked really well for my perianal area, too. BTW just last week I was diagnosed with oral lichen planus. Both LS and LP are associated with Hashimoto’s (autoimmune hypothyroidism) which I have. The best to you, Tracy!

Hi Tracy,

I have been using the borax and yes it's the kind you find In the detergent isle at the grocery store. You can soak in a bath with a couple tablespoon to start with see how that works. Also add some kind of moisturize afterwords. It's very soothing and helps heal the area. There's a group healing through borax on the f book if you're interested. Lots of luck and hugs.. we're here too for you.

Marnie

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Sounds like LS to me. They may diagnose it visually or do a biopsy. I had 6 sites punxhed and all six cane back positive for  LS. I found that 1:2 cup baking soda in warm bath was soothing if I was it hing or sore ( after biopsy). I cleared the pain and it h with Emuaid maxx and the Emuaid original- pricey, but no more symptoms. 

Try cutting back on sugar and wheat and see if that helps with the itch. 

Good luck and no we are here for  you! 

Tracy, Welcome to this “ sisterhood “ of shared empathy and knowledge! I felt so miserable and depressed when I first was diagnosed, but after stumbling upon this site I was relieved! Advice has helped immensely- like reducing sugar intake and carbs. I went on a “ keto” diet and took Thorn vitamins, and tried Neem oil— all of which minimized all symptoms! ( so far, after 8 months) Oh, and I prayed hard (really) a daily rosary— and am sooooo much better now. I now am praying and hoping for my symptoms to never return. And lastly, I continued to maintain a normal intimacy with my husband - however possible, with open communication as to how you are feeling is so important at this time. Good luck with your healing of symptoms, and know you are NOT alone!!