I was diagnosed with BXO a few days ago. I had always had phimosis (full retraction when flaccid; none when erect) but in last 5 months my phimosis had closed completely and I developed scarring and discolouration on the foreskin. At the moment, my foreskin is so tight that it is uncomfortable to pee. My GP prescribed me Betamethasone valerate twice a day. I still did not see any improvement in the tightness and it is affecting my mental health in a significant way. I am now even considering spending the money on circumcision from a private health provider. Do you suggest waiting for the cream to have an effect? Anyone had any experience with Betamethasone working for BXO? Thank you!
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Cosma
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You mention that you have seen your GP. Did the GP make the diagnosis? Have you seen a dermatologist? Also you mention using Betamethasone, however successful treatment of LS needs to be with ultra potent steroids, typically Clobetasol. I would suggest, should you wish to avoid circumcision, you see a dermatologist and use ultra potent steroids for 1 - 3 months under medical supervision. Typically 50-60% of men will achieve remission this way. You will probably be given a weaker steroid to use on a longer term basis in remission.
You are best advised not to stretch the foreskin whilst you have any active LS. The disease needs to be in full remission otherwise any stretching will result in tears, visible or otherwise, which will result in further scarring and tightening making a circumcision more inevitable.
If you do get the disease into remission, at that point you can trying stretching with Betamethasone or similar perhaps again under medical supervision given the LS history. You will probably find that the Clobetasol treatment in itself will result in some relaxation.
These comments are based on my personal experience in the UK. I wish you all the best.
Yes, the GP game me the diagnosis and prescribed me betamethasone. After reading some scientific papers online, I did see what are the realistic chances of a steroid cream being effective. Moreover, as you say, betamethasone is not an ultra potent one. Therefore, my level of worry is literally through the roof. I am scared that waiting and waiting will result in more serious problems. I am not particularly adverse to circumcision if it is the only option that will prevent further damage long term. However, it will have to be at my expense, which is not great.
You will need to use stronger steroids to beat stand a realistic chance of beating the disease, whereas it appears the GP is treating the phimosis symptom. Get a referral to a dermatologist/book a private appointment as a matter of reasonable urgency. The Betamethasone will do no harm in the meantime, and may slow disease progression, but do not stretch with active disease.
Hi Man, you should really see a urologist or dermatologist they are the specialists in this condition. how long have you been using the betamethasone? If the condition is mild using some steroid creams can help in maintaining it. however if it is more developed then considering a circumcision would be beneficial in the long term. But this is something you need to be at peace with yourself. All the best
Hi, Dermovate is the ultra strong steroid commonly used to control LS. If full-on treatment does not work, then from what you say, you may need to be circumcised. Many of us have been through this. I saw Dr Khan who works in Luton, and although the operation is private, it is competitvely priced and I found his work to be excellent. Have a good look at the postings on here, which I found to be really informative and encouraging.
Hi. Yes a strong steroid cream would be the first advice short term and a milder steroid for long term use but unfortunately sometimes this doesn't work and circumcision is needed or maybe the individual would prefer it over applying creams on a regular basis really it's up to the individual and what they are happiest with themselves. Certainly Dr Khan in Luton is excellent from what I have seen and he understand the LS condition very well. This forum is very helpful and informative hopefully we can give some helpful advice and encouragement.
I'd give it a little more time so you should see a urologist or dermatologist. I know it's frustrating and worrying this doesn't help the condition. try get a referral even if you have to go private it will give you peace of mind and you can way up you options then.
You'd need to use a strong steroid for 4 weeks. If you decide, after taking professional advice, that the only way forward is a circumcision, then you'd need to book the operation, especially in these challenging times. Dr Khan did a Whatapp consultation with me before I finally decided, and after the operation I paid for histology to confirm LS, which is best practice. Dr Khan is very understanding about how you would like it to look afterwards, taking into account the medical need to clear you of the LS, so make a point of getting informed about things and asking in advance. One thing to take into account is that the recovery time post-op is a hassle for several weeks until your body recovers.
I have read some of the answers on here and I might agree with the dermotologist. When I was seeing a urologist I had my dermotologist check what they have been charting me for. She (my dermotologist) didn't recommend the circumcision because she wanted to do some skin testing on the foreskin. My foreskin wad always cracking and got very sore. Before she got the results ig the tests the urologist decided circumcision was best for me.So yes I ended up with a circumcision but I wish I could've waited for results on dermotologist. The urologist said circumcision was best idea because of phimoses. So wait on all the tests with dermotology (if you go) to see what best options are.
I was suffering from balanoposthetis leading to partial phimosis. Was on oral steriod (predisolone) for lichen planus and whenever it inflammed my penis, i used topical steriod. However i wanted to avoid steriods and tappered it down. After about six months, they attacked with vengeance. At that point, none of the oral (for lichen planus and RH arthritis) nor topical steriod creams (for balanoposthetis) worked for me and phimosis was gradually becoming more severe. Hence went for zsr circumcision. In essence while symptoms are mild, steriods work. Just my experience. You may want to have alternate opinion from different GP or dermotogist before arriving at a surgeon's doorstep.
Hey, I have had BXO for many years, my foreskin sometimes is tiger striped. I have used cortisone cream (might need a prescription) and it works well. My skin is often rough and tight but the cream eases it. Don't masturbate for a week or so and this will help. Don't use too much cream as it might make your glans red and sore.
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