What to expect from 1st Consultation with Dermatologist
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi,
Many of you have suggested I see a Dermatologist - I have booked an appointment for 2 weeks. I feel my GP despite their best efforts is out of their depth. My gynae I have been seeing over the years and is brilliant in her field - both I've seen and got to know them and their environment but this is new territory and I'm very nervous.
She's a Vulval specialist and apparently lovely.
Any advice ?
Thank you
0 likes, 7 replies
beverly52803 sarah24152
Posted
Who is a vulval specialist...the dermatologist or the gyn?
I think the fields of dermatology and gynecology are following two different paths when it comes to the treatment of LS.
The standard for gyns is steroids (and hormone cream if the latter is indicated due to atrophy as a result of menopause). My gyn (who specialized in skin issues) prescribed both. She never mentioned any other treatment.
Dermatologists seem to have moved away from the steroid only camp and embraced immunosuppressants (Protopic/Tacrolimus) as the main agent to control LS, but with the addition of steroids. I'm not sure if they are prescribing them only to patients for whom steroids alone are not working or if they now see them as the first line of defense.
Assuming your dermatologist will prescribe Protopic be sure to get clear directions re 1) just how much you are to apply, 2) specifically where you are to apply it and 3) for how long. I would also ask how many of their LS patients are using it, how long they have been and with what results.
Good luck. Please share with us what this doc has to say.
sarah24152 beverly52803
Posted
Sorry - the Dermatologist is the Vulval expert and according to my Gyn she's lovely.
Just trying another avenue - Thank you.
JudeBl sarah24152
Posted
I'm seeing a dermatologist in a couple of days. GP seems clueless and gynae not much better.
sarah24152 JudeBl
Posted
Please let me know how it goes !
Thanks.
Debbz1989 sarah24152
Posted
I saw my Dermatologist for a different skin condition - and I mentioned to him that I had been diagnosed with LS. He immediately wanted me to stop the Clobetasol - and start using a "Progesterone Oil" prescribed by a compound pharmacy. I declined because I had never heard anything about Progesterone Oil being used for LS - on any of the forums I'm on. so that was my experience with my Dermatologist and LS. 😕
Hopefully - since yours is a Vulva Dermatologist - they'll know more about LS. 😃 Good luck~
beverly52803 Debbz1989
Posted
Deb, I remember someone mentioned being treated with progesterone, but have no recollection who that would be. I wouldn't reject the idea because you aren't familiar with it. Did you ask why he was recommending it and what his experience was with treating LS? He may be on to something that would be beneficial.
Have you researched it online?
You could start a new topic and ask if anyone on the forum has used it.
nailah61645 sarah24152
Posted
I was diagnosed with ls in 2013. I discovered it was toilet paper that caused my LS. I used to wet the paper. I have stopped and use a toilet paper that is bleached with hydrogen peroxide rather than chlorine. Ive been free of LS ever since. sometimes i mistakenly wipe with regular paper and the LS flares up and I heal it with salt and water. The skin was sensitive and is no more since I began swallowing 1 crushed garlic everyday. Today I am grateful as I tried steroids and everything else to rid myself of this most horrible condition..