Question for the Girls

[Prairie Gal]

Paula, I just posted a reply which noted I got a Dx  of Lichen Sclerosis (can also be spelled Sclerosus) last summer.  My gyn did a biopsy; the lab report came back positive for LS.  I had burning rather than itching;  it was v. uncomfortable!  From what I've read, sometimes LS can only be Dx'd via a biopsy.  I'm fine now>  I use Clobetasol (cortisone cream) once a week and have learned to pat myself dry after urinating and not to rub the area while showering --  avoids irritating the area.

Prairie gal

[Jules48cats]

Yes I have that problem too from time to time.  I have been using Balneal or CVS has a perennial cleanser that is a little cheaper.   It works for me.  But everytime I am on an antibiotic I need to use monistat for a yeast infection.  When I was very young I used to get thrush all the time.  But after I started taking showers they cleared up.   

[seren]

Aw Karen, it must be difficult with your little girl having it so young, I understand it can occur at that age. Thanks Prairie Gal, yes I understand a biopsy is one mostly sure way of getting a dx.  I am sorry you and the others have this miserable condition. I too have used clobestol but have read it only makes it worse in the long run, as it thins the skin too much over time.  I bought some paladin (I think) from an online US site altho I find it does not really help the itching.

Since I first posted its much better it still comes and goes but its not lasting very long, thankfully!!!

Oh Girls, the joys of being a woman, along with all this I think I may be peri-menopausal (I'm only 42) I get sooo hot its horrendous.... sorry to be sexist but men have no idea  

Paula  

[Prairie Gal]

Paula, I know the Clobetasol thins the skin, because it happened to me after the initial recommended treatment which was to  use it twice a day for 6-12 weeks and then drop to 1 or 2 times weekly for maintenance.   I had a bit of external bleeding after 7 weeks of using it twice a day so I saw the gyn.  She said to stop using it for a few days, then gradually wean myself off of it since it's a strong steroid.

I now use it once a week and apply Vitamin E oil externally 3 or 4 times a week to help with dryness.  This has stopped the awful burning and irritation I had before seeing my gyn initially.   It's important to keep this chronic condition under control because it can cause some really weird things to happen with the tissue down there.  I think I'll start using the Clobetasol just once every 10 days and then ease off to once every 2 weeks to see if that keeps the burning away because I don't want to use it any more than necessary to feel comfortable.

Prairie gal

[watoozie]

I also have the itching - both places.  I have Lupus and Sjogrens and my gynecologist did biopsies and cultures and could only come up with - I have chronic skin problems there just like my arms and hands. I guess from the Lupus.  I do know it is terrible and one can't understand unless you have it!!  The steroid creme she gave me does help.