Table of Contents
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR |
| PURPLE EMU OIL |
| REMEDIES NEEDED |
| VAGINAL MEDICATION LINK TO LS |
| WHEATGRASS |
Lichen Sclerosus Remedies
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"Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an uncommon disease of unknown cause that results in white patches on the skin, which may cause scarring, preferentually on and around genital skin[1].
Several risk factors have been proposed, including autoimmune diseases, infections and genetic predisposition.[2][3] There is evidence that LS can be associated with thyroid disease.[4]."
"Women are more commonly affected than men, particularly around and after menopause, but younger women or girls may also develop the disease. The condition most commonly occurs on the vulva and around the anus with ivory-white elevations that may be flat and glistening. There may be marked itching or the condition may be without any symptoms. There may also be thinning and shrinkage of the genital area that may make coitus, urination and defaecation painful.
In males, the disease may take the form of whitish thickening of the foreskin, which cannot be retracted easily (phimosis). In contrary to women, there is no perianal involvement. In men, this genital involvement has traditionally been known as balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO).[7]
On the non-genital skin, the disease may manifest as porcelain-white spots with small visible plugs inside the orifices of hair follicles or sweat glands on the surface. Thinning of the skin may also occur.[8]" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen_sclerosus
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 12/15/2009: Mary from Valencia, Ca Usa writes: "I have had Lichen Sclerosus (LS) for 2 1/2 yrs with almost no itching but lots of inflammation and soreness. The steroid ointments just seemed to make it worse. I tried apple cider vinagar on a little cotton with water and this seems to help the inflammation. I can't wear underwear/long pants as it seems to irritate the area. Does anyone else have the same type of LS? I am tired of going around in my nightgown. Thanks"
12/28/2009: Terlyn from Syracuse, Ny replies: "I have had LS for a few years to the puzzlement of my gyn until September when the white spotting finally appeared. I tried calendula oil then castor oil and now I am in my 2nd week of Neem oil with a green tree extract added 2 or 3X a day. It is messy but it brought me healing relief.The others brought relief from the itching and bleeding which is a blessing but I want it to heal and not continue to split."
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
01/25/2009: Dana from NYC, NY writes: "Dear Earth Clinic, I was just diagnosed with lichen sclerosis and am looking a natural remedy. Saw your page and no remedies are listed. Am I missing them or have you not posted any. Thank you for any information you may have. Dana"
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 01/26/2009: Misha from Binghamton, New York, USA replies: "Hi Dana, I have been trying purple emu oil with good results. As they say this condition is related to autoimmunity problems, I have also been taken probiotics, which they say are good for calming an overactive immune system. I will keep the earth clinic community posted on my progress."
03/01/2009: Andrea from Asheville, NC replies: "I have found that using a vitamin E capsule like a suppository overnight usually takes care of symptoms overnight. My MD prescribed steriod creams, which also work, but not as well. However, they are more convenient to use during the day. Although steriod creams are not natural, I believe a natural estrogen cream may work the same way. I have read lately that lichen schlerosis is often triggered by a decrease in estrogen in the body, so I'm experimenting with increasing intake of soy products, which contain natural estrogens. My MD also recommended probiotics and turmeric to control symptoms. Apparently, there is no cure available, just good symptom management."
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10/18/2009: Danielle from Chilliwack, B.c writes: "I CONTRACTED G.W. ABOUT 10 YRS AGO AND HAD THEM REMOVED WITH LIQUID NITROGEN. THEY NEVER CAME BACK. NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD I HAVE LICHEN SCLEROSIS. SO NOW I AM FIGHTING OFF THIS VIRUS USING ALDARA BUT IT IS TOO PAINFUL. I HAD A BIOPSY DONE ON ONE SIDE AT THE OPENING AND IT CAME BACK STAGE 2 CANCEROUS. I CANNOT HAVE A SEX LIFE BECAUSE IT HURTS SO BAD WITH THE FRICTION.I HAVE A VERY RAW OPENING OF MY VAGINA THAT ARE LIKE OPEN SORES THAT NEVER HEAL....ANYTHING I CAN PUT ON IT TO MAKE THE SORES GO AWAY?"
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01/08/2009: Misha from Binghamton, New York, USA writes: "Dear Earth Clinic,
I absolutely love your website! Please create a new page for Lichen Sclerosis, a potentially disfiguring and debilitating disease. I am a sufferer of this condition and would really appreciate feedback/remedies from others who battle this disease.
Thank you!!!"
02/22/2009: Jennifer from Searcy, Ar replies: "I too have been diagnosed with this. I am not affected genitally but trunk. I am seeking any relief. Anyone had any luck treating this?"
07/23/2009: Kerry from Wenatchee, WA replies: "I was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis 4 years ago in genital area and my eye lids. What I found that helps the most is to eliminate dairy from my diet. For a year or more, I had to eliminate all mammal products too. So no dairy, pig, cow, lamb, etc. So first, figure out if you have a food sensitivity. Second, DON'T eat foods that bother you. Gas, diarrhea, bloating, constipation. These are all signs that your body can't tolerate what ever you ate. Symptoms can be fairly immediate to 24 hours later.
Third, take a high quality fish oil. For me, 4,ooo mg seem to do the trick. I don't have any vaginal itching and my eyelids don't stick to my eyeballs at night as long as I unless I indulge in cheesecake on my birthday or forget to take the fish oil.
As a side note, as of two years ago, I have adrenal fatigue too. These measures help with that too."
09/24/2009: Jackie from Houston, Tx replies: "Hi Kerry,I noticed that you mentioned you had this Lichen Sclerosis on your eyelids. Can you describe what the symptoms are on the eye? I believe I have LS in the nether regions but noticed that my eyes have been very dry and itchy. I thought that maybe there is a connection.
Thank you,
Jackie : )"
09/29/2009: Paula from Garrison, Ky replies: "I have noticed the same thing, all meat, dairy and even sugar acts up my LS horribly. Ive basically went Vegan since the perscribed cream did nothing for me and my dr ran out of options and I was told to "learn to deal with it". I went on an all juice diet thinking it might be linked to my thyroid or something else so I juiced daily, then I noticed I felt great during the 7 days of all juice, when I added in food back in its when I noticed the symptoms back with in minutes of eating certain food. The only time my LS goes away is when Im sick then I have No LS at all until my cold/flu goes away then it comes back with a vengance!!!"
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1 NAY
2 WARNINGS!
[WARNING!] 09/10/2009: Kathy from Brisbane, Australia writes: "Lichen Scelrosis - theory yet to be proved:
I have a theory that moderate to high use of Vaginal creams for Thrush etc aggravate or possibly even CAUSE LS. The only way to find this out is to get as many women as possible with LS to say whether they have used these creams a lot in the past. I had a history of repeated Thrush and used the creams many times - I notice now that use of these creams aggravate the itchiness and thinness of the area for up to 2 weeks after use. Please post a answer and see if we can 'find' the cause - the Drs have no idea, so...."
[WARNING!] 01/07/2010: Kim from Los Angeles, California replies: "Vaginal Meds causing LS symptomsThis is in response to Kathy from Brisbane, Australia:
I have had the same theory for 4 years, that moderate to high use of Vaginal creams for thrush, vaginitis etc aggravate or possibly even CAUSE LS. 6 Months after taking precription medication for bacterial vaginitis the thinning, tearing, itchyness around th vulva area began.
Ladies please be aware when taking such meds.
Best of luck."
01/30/2010: Jami from Roanoke, Va replies: "I've just been diagnosed with LS, how fun. I have been treated many times in the past for yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. I believe you may be on to something BIG. I also believe that stress and perhaps past trauma/emotions may have an impact on what is happening now."
[NAY] 02/22/2010: Amy from Tucson, Az replies: "I was diagnosed with LS a few years back. Contrary to your theory I had never used any vaginal creams for any ailment."
05/08/2010: Montanamama4b from Billings, Mt replies: "I read on another website that it is common with LS to be extremely sensitive to any creams that have any of the -parabens in them. This can be methylparaben, propylparaben, etc. Since nearly every single cream out there needs the parabens to make it "creamy", be sure to read the labels very carefully.
Take care!"
07/26/2010: Adrianna from Chicago, Il, Usa replies: "I was diagnosed with LS 10 years ago. It happened shortly after having oral sex. I have used a vaginal cream since then, but off and on. Not on a regular basis. About 2 years ago I had surgery in which I took antibiotics and pain meds. Within 2 months I started noticing some really weird things happening to me that never happened before. Since then I've been researching relentlessly on what could be wrong with me. My conclusion is the antibiotics, drugs, creams etc. . . are bad for us. I have candidiasis because antibiotics not only kill the bad bacteria, but the good. This in return let yeast grow out of control in my body causing skin issues, digestive issues, dizziness, drunkenness, etc. . . I believe the only way to get better is to change your life away from the SAD (Standard American Diet). Eat healthy, meaning fresh fruits (very little), meats and vegetables. Try to buy organic, if possible. The pesticides and hormones sprayed/injected into our foods ultimately get inside us and also affect us. No processed, canned, packaged foods. No lunchmeats, sweets, etc. Obviously it can be very difficult to completely stay away from these foods for the rest of your life. I love sweets so I know. I try to eat healthy 99% of the time though. Educate yourself. Research candidiasis, get on a good probiotic, see if you could benefit from digestive enzymes, fish oils, read the Metabolic Typing Diet, search for Yeast Infection No More online book, how dental work can have you suffering (mercury in your mouth), metal in your body. I recently had an eery feeling my LS was linked to my diet as well as all the other issues I've dealt with in the last year. I believe it is true because when I was following a super healthy diet for 5 months (no dairy, only brown rice pasta, brown rice cakes, brown rice, fresh veggies, little fruit (mainly berries) and protein) NO sugar whatsoever and only drank water or decaf herbal teas, continued to exercise, reduce my stress level and take some supplements I had no anal itching and very little if any vulva pain/discomfort.
I also recently decided to research the cream I've been using over the years for my LS and one of the things it says can occur is folliculitis. Last October I woke up one morning with tiny red bumps all over my legs. I have not confirmed by a doctor that it is folliculitis, because I refuse to have anyone try to make me take any medications/creams (drugs)or antibiotics. I am on a mission to change my life for the better and it involves natural/holistic treatments. Always question your doctor and if you don't believe what they are suggesting it is best for you get a second opinion. I recently had to have my wisdom teeth removed and the first oral surgeon I met with said I would have to go on antibiotics and pain killers. I refused because I knew what that mess of meds got me in a year and a half ago. I searched for a holistic dentist and found one who guided me in the right path so I was able to do stay away from the antibiotics and pain meds by using a great quality probiotic and digestive enzymes for inflammation/pain.
I hope some of this helps someone else!"
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1 YEA
1 NAY
[YEA] 03/29/2009: Colleen from New Brunswick, NJ writes: "Wheatgrass Cure for Lichen Scelrosis.
I have had this for 2 years. and found Wheatgrass works wonders after using the topical steroids and it getting worse. I stopped using what the doctor prescribed and used WG and she was amazed and wanted to take pictures and everything. I tried many natural remedies and this is what I have found to work. I had about 6 months that was excruciating and painful sex but now and basically symptom free besides having a small patch of white spots that never real go all the way for good.
Wheatgrass pulp as a compress for 15-45 mins. Make sure it is juicy this is a little messy but very clean and has been proven as a remedy for many problems including yeast infections. Just holding the compress on for 30 mins made my white spots disappear and the skin that appeared was pink and healthy. Juice it and grow it yourself and use 1-2 times a week or get a wheatgrass shot at a heathfood store and ask for some of the pulp. I do this -you can tell them it is to treat a burn or infected cut b/c it is used for that too. You just bundle up the pulp and hold it on press it to your skin firmly. I sit and watch TV on the couch or in bed on top of a towel with paper towels on top. The chlorophyl is very rich and can stain clothing/sheets. Wheat Grass contains many minerals and chlorophyl so maybe this is why it works so well.
But, I recently got wheatgrass cream form an Australian doctor who makes it. it is sold on his website Dr. Wheatgrass. I find if I put this on a few nights a week the white spots disappear too and the skin heals. This stuff is amazing you can heal cuts and burns very quickly with it with generally no scarring. I also found that salt water baths help and Aloe Vera gel helps soothe, and tea tree oil ointment takes away itchiness.
I used the Nuva Ring birth control vaginal ring for 2 years and that is when my problems with LS started. Now I use a pill and generally have a little bit of white spots but no irritation at all anymore and the white spots always go away every month when I get my period. I feel maybe if I did not use hormonal birth control at all this would go away completely but am not at a point in my life where I can justify it as there is not as reliable of a natural method Hope this helps some people with LS b/c it is really awful to have this condition."
07/12/2009: Stacy from Durango, CO replies: "Hi, I haven't ever used this form of communication before but I have a question. A friend suggested to me that I may have lichen sclerosis. I have tiny razor blade slits up the sides of my labia majora (both sides)- they bleed and sting and feel much like a razor blade cut. Sometimes it seems to go across my perineum and over my anus, causing that to also be painful. I used to only think that it was from sex and maybe I had an STD but have been checked many times and seem to baffle the practioners - they often start questioning me about abuse. Well, now, I haven't had sex in two months and I have it again - so I am trying to figure out what it may be - my symptoms do not seem to be the same as what you are describing but I'm trying whatever avenue I can because it is quite painful and debilitating and I recieve no valid answers from practioners."
07/21/2009: Linda from Houston, TX replies: "Stacy from Durango - According to my good friend, a dermatologist, Lichen sclerosis can be diagnosed with a biopsy of the skin. According to her it is not that uncommon and you should be able to ask a derm or ob-gyn to biopsy the skin so you can get an answer and start treatment. I too have been diagnosed with it but I haven't had the biopsy yet. I will be doing that soon so I can get a definite answer. Steroid creams are used quite a bit to bring the skin back to normal. If you don't want to waste your time with an uninformed doctor, try calling ahead and find out if they're familiar with the condition. Good luck"
[NAY] 02/07/2010: Mary from Valencia, Ca replies: "I was desperate for relief and decided to try the Wheatgrass lotion. The delivery was great. However, when I put the lotion on the vaginal area it burned like crazy. Not just for a short time. I put some more on later thinking it just takes time. Again the burning. So, I went back to my salt water which seemed to relieve the burning for a while. There must be something else out there but I don't have a clue. I don't have the itching, I have the soreness (sitting and exercising are very uncomfortable), redness and inflammation.Mary"
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