Red and sore around bottom

I have read on lots of forums about different diets people try hoping it will ease the symptoms of LS, so I mentioned this to my Dermatologist at my last appointment 2 days ago. She categorically stated that as LS is an auto immune disease diet will have no effect on it, she did say stress would be a contributing factor though. She has told me I need to blast the area to get the LS under control using a fingertip amount every night for 4 weeks all over the affected area and then alternate nights for 4 weeks then back to twice a week for maintenance. I told her I had been worried about using clob on the area between my butt cheeks and perineum but she said not to, it has been proven that it helps skin affected by LS rather than thinning it. It's all very confusing and I guess if people try changing their diet and they feel this works then that's great for them. Unfortunately it made no difference for me.

I think part of the thing with Dermovate (Clob) is that it does actually thin the skin and par tof the way it works is to counteract the thickening and atrophy caused by LS.  I also believe that a chronically upset gut causes physical and, in my case psychological stress, which in turn worsens LS whether it is autoimmune or not.  Combined with this is is the physical damage which I mentioned above.  It is very complex and to deny that if one element of that complexity is dealt with it won't improve things is an error.  Part of the stress of this condition is down to not feeling in control.  The medical profession do not seem to understand much about this condition.  Dermovate has been a godsend in the past and I am certainly not averse to using it, but there are other things we can all do to help control symptoms.  I have had to work stuff out, because access to any expert medical advice is getting more and more difficult where I live.

This is what I mean about it being confusing, I wish they would do some proper research into this condition but it seems it is not urgent enough despite so many suffering. These forums are a great way for people to share experiences and I certainly won't rule things out without trying them first (within reason). There are so many people who say changing their diet has helped that it seems more than a coincidence, and I wasn't suggesting people don't try it I was merely stating what the medical profession think. Everyone has to do what works for them. I am using the clob as directed and it does seem to be getting things back under control but I am still wary of it despite what they say.

I'm sorry that getting medical help is getting difficult for you, I feel lucky that I am able to see a specialist every 4 - 6 months.

Hi All

This is good discussion. When I go on internet I get worried about having LS. Jeez I would give anything to go back to having a normal fanny. So much I have taken for granted. Whole thing makes me feel down. I've had a few days of red sore bum and got Weleeda cream with calendula, working a bit but still red and sore. I will try foderma serum or aloe vera.

Re sore bottom I am wondering if the clob (Dermovate) is causing the redness and soreness on my bum. Was thinking of stopping using it as its painful. But I think you are saying to continue using it even though bum is red and sore is that right? Re diet I see a nutritional therapist, I already have chronic fatigue which is autoimmune and fungal just like LS. Not sure if food changes are helping or not yet. Too soon to say.

Clobetasol is a steroid that I cannot tolorate. Makes me redder and worse. In the beginning I thought I had to tough it out to get better but it just wasn't for me.

Hi Aileen,

So sorry for the late reply, I've not looked on here for a while. It transpired that I had thrush and the dermovate was aggravating it. I took a canestan oral pill and used the cream for a couple of weeks after I was diagnosed. I also stopped using the dermovate until it cleared. Everything settled after about 3 weeks. Hope you got your issues sorted, if not it may be well to get tested for thrush.

Best wishes

Hi Margaret

I have been reading on here an experiment with Borax which seems to have worked well for some. Worth a read. I have just ordered Borax to try and will see how this goes. Reckon I have had LS for about 6 or more years which I thought was intractable thrush. Just completed 8 weeks of clob and I'm looking for other remedies now. Take care.

If you're from the uk be careful because it's only Borax substitute here, we can't get the real product. You'll be ok if you're in the states. Not sure the Borax substitute works the same.