Lichen Sclerosus/Dermatitis

[Shoeysmum]

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with LS many years ago and it's usually very well controlled with Dermovate which I only use when my LS is flaring. In fact I've never been told to use it weekly in an attempt to avoid a flare!

My latest flare started just over 3 months ago. One full tube of Dermovate didn't get it under control so I saw my GP who was shocked at how red and sore my vulva looked and she referred me to Gynaecology. The consultant now thinks it's dermatitis (the treatment is the same) and has done a biopsy...OUCH! The anaesthetic injection and the biopsy itself was excrutiating although I never felt her doing to stitch and am wondering whether she didn't wait long enough for the anaesthetic to take effect.

She advised me to use an emollient and reeled off a list. Most of the names I'd never heard of apart from Cetraben although I also remembered Doublebase which is what I bought. The problem is that it stings probably due to the fact that I have fissures as well as the loss of some of my epidermis.

What I'd like to know is whether a different emollient would be better? Or is it just because I'm so raw down there that anything would sting?

[Rocky68]

I have lichen sclerosis and use prescription corticosteroid called Clobetasol twice a week. My gynecologist told me I would have to use this for the rest of my life. I do not have any redness, but the white growth on Vulva determined to be Lichen sclerosis by a biopsy. If you are and irritated, you may want to ask your gynecologist about this medication, but see if she wants you to delay using it until the redness has cleared some otherwise it might really irritate you.

[Shoeysmum in reply to Rocky68]

Thank you for your reply. I use Dermovate which is also a corticosteroid. I believe it used to be call Clobetasol in the UK.

[MissStar]

If you are interested in a natural remedy, try natural raw honey - apply a small amount (1/4 teaspoon-ish) high up in the vagina (use finger tip). The raw honey supports the microbiome of your vagina, in turn supporting your skin of your vulva, and your bladder. If only honey is too sticky you can mix it 1 to 1 with coconut oil, natural, food grade. Good luck and hope you feel more comfortable very soon!

[Shoeysmum in reply to MissStar]

I'll give this a try so have just ordered some. Thank you.

[MissStar in reply to Shoeysmum]

I do hope it works for you - local, raw honey is best, if you can find that were you live, as the microbiome is familiar to your body - the bees and you share the same environment. Makes sense, right?

[Konagirl60]

Have you tried any Sea Buckthorn oil tablets? They are a natural skin treatment and it’s been used for centuries. Good luck.

[Shoeysmum in reply to Konagirl60]

I've never heard of them but will google them now so thank you.

[Konagirl60 in reply to Shoeysmum]

You’re most welcome. Sea Buckthorn is full of healthy nutrients to help heal skin and promote collagen growth. I wouldn’t use the topical in your case. The caplets would be a start plus if you can find the juice, I’d try it if I was you. Keep me posted. I truly feel for you,