Itchy and soreness.

[elizabeth-57]

I’ve was diagnosed with lupus in 2013. I’ve had a few flares with the skin and last summer was one of the worst. I was put on hydroxychloroquine at first, but last year I had methotrexate and folic acid to my medication as well as still taking hydroxychloroquine. I’ve now developed a rash again on my left arm near my elbow and tonight I’ve discovered a dark mole. Also since Christmas I’ve had soreness and itching around my intimate area. I haven’t been to doctors yet about it and wondered if it could be lichen sclerosis, has anyone else on here suffered this and what treatment have you had if so. I’m going to make an appointment at my drs surgery asap.

[dg70]

I had soreness and itching down below for over a year till it started to burn and itch constantly. It was hard to bear. The gp kept upping the level of steroid cream until I got to dermovate. Almost instantly it worked and I got such relief. I am down for a referral to my hospitals dermatology Vulva clinic but it's a long waiting list. Sometimes we need steroid creams long or short term to help us fight these awful rashes that don't go by themselves. See your gp as itchy Vulva is quite common for older women especially at menopause. You don't need lupus or sjogrens to get it necessarily. They see it a lot and hopefully can help you with it and any other rash you have. If you need it they can get you a dermatology referral too. Hope you get relief soon.

[elizabeth-57 in reply to dg70]

dg70

Many thanks for reply. Just phoned the drs and have an appointment with one about the mole next Tuesday and trying to get an appointment with a female dr about the other down below. Take care yourself too.

[dg70 in reply to elizabeth-57]

I don't blame you although I have a great male doctor who didn't need to see down below to know what to try. Try not to scratch down there as I got a staphylococcus infection from scratching there and it was burning like hell and needed antibiotic. An interim thing I found worked was vagisil wipes they were cold and soothed for a few hours. I also was prescribed an antibiotic cream when it feels like I'm getting burning there. A female dermatologist was what I wanted as they will have to take swabs and investigate so it's just more comfortable seeing a woman. I'm glad they are checking your mole. If they send you to a dermatologist for that then you could briefly ask about down below and your arm and see if they deal with that or whether it needs a specialist dermatologist. At least moles get seen quickly. Don't suffer with rashes though there is so much you can get to try on them and the right cream will clear them up eventually. Unfortunately with what we have it sometimes takes a lot of time and effort to fight these rashes if they take hold. I had one on my ankle for over a year with itched and burned until I realised there are steroid creams to clear them up. It was such a relief!

[Sylveste66]

Hi Elizabeth. I'm sorry your suffering at the moment. I too have Lupus and 5 years ago developed a rash down below. I booked in with my gp and she thought it could be lichen sclerosus but wanted to be sure first so referred me to a gynaecologist using the 2 week pathway. I was seen the next week and the following week I had biopsies, I think they were worried it was something more sinister. The results confirmed lichen sclerosus.

I manage it well using clobestol and soap free shower cream. They said if I notice it getting worse and the steroid doesn't work to see my gp again. Try wear only cotton pants as that helps 😊xx