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When to ask to see a vulval dermatologist?

Posted , 7 users are following.

Cheetah
Cheetah

In November, I was prescribed Betnovate 0.1%, to use twice a day for two weeks after seeing a nurse practitioner regarding vulval itching, inflammation and soreness. I saw the GP after this, who prescribed Clobederm 0.5% for use twice a day for a month. When I saw him after this month, he didn't examine me, but I was able to tell him that the Clobederm seemed to be calming the itching and inflammation. At this point he talked about the likelihood of it being Lichen Sclerosus. I am now using the Clobederm once a day for another month and am due to see the GP again at the beginning of January. So far, I haven't had a biopsy, but he has mentioned this. The condition has calmed a lot since November, but certain areas are still slightly inflamed.  However, I have found this forum excellent and am using a moisturiser evey day, as well as a spray of bicarb and water after going to the toilet.

I have confidence in my GP - he has a gynaecological qualification - but am wondering if I might be better asking to see a specialist who deals specifically in vulval conditions. I'd be interested to hear what others think.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • mary09950
    mary09950 Cheetah

    Posted

    I went to a dermatologist who didn't even look at my vulva skin. She prescribed Elidel but I did not find it helpful. I think gynecologist was more understanding. I don't know where to find a vulvar specialist.

  • lesley57706
    lesley57706 Cheetah

    Posted

    Your GP is correct. If needed go back to the 1% until you are ok. It takes time. If you are my age 50 the I also use HRT pessaries. My inflammation and symptoms were severe but now all is back to normal but took about 2 months. Be patient and do not be afraid of using the steroids.
  • Sedg
    Sedg Cheetah

    Posted

    Hi Cheetah. I can only speak from experience and whilst I was diagnosed with LS 16 years ago (I am now 66) I recently got a second opinion from another LS. specialist /consultant and she has literally saved me from extremely intrusive surgery by understanding and advising a different course of treatment.

    I urge you to find a specialist, as this heinous condition is both mentally and physically damaging and you need to have a professional who can understand all aspects of this damaging condition.

    Happily I am looking forward to a different New Year because I was fortunate to be advised in a firm realistic and non intrusive way by a woman who has seen all aspects of this condition. Make no bones about it Cheetah, there is no cure, just management

    I wish you and all other sufferers a remission free period for ChRisTmas. Xxx

    • cynthia40883
      cynthia40883 Sedg

      Posted

      Could you share more about your present treatment. I am exactly your age, and would like to know what is helping for you. I suspect you are in another country, or I would ask for a referral to your doctor. I live in Florida. What kind of doctor has helped you. I have seen dermatologist s and gynecologist, but not sure how much they know. Thanks for your input.
    • lesley57706
      lesley57706 cynthia40883

      Posted

      Hi my local GP here in the uk assisted. 1% be novae twice a day. HRT ossuary once a day for two weeks then one every four days. I later introduced the borax solution and all is ok now. It took about six to eight weeks for all the symptoms to go, but now all ok . Now I just use the pessaries one every four days a occasionally the steroid.
    • mary09950
      mary09950 Sedg

      Posted

      Can you tell us what is your treatment plan. The most popular is steroids.
    • joanna43-
      joanna43- Sedg

      Posted

      Hi Sedg, I was wondering what is the treatment plan your doctor has you on? I am using the Borax solution and baths and have been symptom free. But I still have extensive fusion that I am patiently hoping will release with the Borax.

      Thank you for answering

  • deborah82032
    deborah82032 Cheetah

    Posted

    It seems like you have a Dr. that is on top of it. The clob is what my Specialist prescribes. My last visit, she said it looked better, however, she wanted me to use the Clob every nite. I have a lot of fusion, however, no flare-ups. Because the inflammation is in the deep layers of the skin, the fusion still will continue. I feel like I have a  good Dr. that can help me monitor and keep on top of it.

     

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