12/04/2011: Ann from Cincinnati, Ohio Usa: "I am not sure if I have LS. I have to go to the doctor.

I have the itching and now redness. For a long time I used Derma E brand of Stop Itch cream. It seemed to really help so I just thought I was having sensitive skin. Now that I have tried to figure this out before going to a doctor I think I must have LS. The itch is unbearable and the cream seems to make it worse now. I am 60, and this started a few years ago, but was mild then.

I want to know if anyone feels these crawling sensations or a feeling like a bubble of leaking in the area? These feelings come and go. The itching can be like a sudden violent attack and reminds me of bad poison ivy.

Also in my very recent and frantic searches I saw information through Pub Med that a doctor used antibiotic treatment with good results because a large number of biopsies of LS patients have tested positive for the organism that causes Lyme disease.

I have to wonder how long has this disease been around. It seems like it isn't that rare like they try to say. Certainly, there seem too many people trying to find out what is going on. I also have rosacea, para psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis - all autoimmune issues - all impossible to cure, and all misunderstood.

So any feedback would be appreciated."

11/28/2011: Andoy from Boise, Id replies: "Looks like you have acidic body. Suggest you go to www.sicknesshope.com, and search the site. The ask Moreless for suggestion."

08/05/2010: Liddabird from Portland, Or replies: "It really sounds like you need more close monitoring from a dermatologist or other specialist. Natural remedies are great, but your symptoms sound urgent. My dermatologist prescribed a topical steroid which helped a lot, but when I had thinning skin from frequent use, he opted for steroid injections, which I now get monthly. They work great, my symptoms have improved to the point that most symptoms have disappeared. Also, since I had untreated low thyroid function for years, I'm wondering if that was a factor."

08/16/2010: L from Toronto, Ont, Canada replies: "I suffer from the same problem. For me, steroid make it worst, not better. I've found that using apple cider vinegar at night helps however leaves the area very dry. After showering, I use a blend of hemp oil and olive oil, with a little vaseline intensive cocobutter lotion. I can't speak for everyone but it's the best solution that I've tried. Still suffer at times but not nearly as bad as it was years ago. I wish you luck."

09/29/2010: Kiki from New York replies: "Have a look at the work of Christine Kent of the Whole Woman Centre. She has done a lot of work around Lichen Sclerosis.
Http://wholewoman.com/library/?cat=14
Through diet and lifestyle changes, and basic herbs she suggests (but does not sell--not a sales pitch! ) women have found healing for their LS."

01/30/2011: Mhdevil666 from Jerusaelm, Israel replies: "So I was diagnosed with LS over a year ago now, I'm now 19 and it took almost 3 years to figure out what was wrong till I went to a specialist thinking I had to have cancer, thank god I don't. My specialist told me the KY jelly helps the burning in general and using it during sex makes things a lot more comfortable, if your skin isn't inflamed at the moment but is dry, you can also try AnD ointment, if ur irritated it burns a bit otherwise it is really helpful, however do not use any other type of rash ointment they have things in them that really burn, experiance talking. Hope that helps :)"

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!!!"

09/12/2010: Frannie from Wilsonville, Or replies: "Kerry from Winatchee....... I also suffer from both ailments - adrenal fatigue and lichen schlerosis. I had the lichen schlerosis under control with steroids, but now it's back worse than ever a few years later. I'm looking for a better solution. Natural if possible."

09/12/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York replies: "Some herbs to address adrenal fatigue are, Ashwaganda, and Rhodiola.... I would add to that a good mushroom formula with Reishi... Or AHCC if you can afford it. Also the B12, B6 and Folic acid to low homocysteine.. You will notice a difference with the above... But most importantly, exercise, (yoga) and meditation (walking, breathing)"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  12/27/2010: Jill from Dallas, Tx replies: "This is a condition that I self-diagnosed myself with a few years ago, after much internet research and no help from my doctor. This is still such a mysterious condition, with little concrete medical data out there to refer to, but here are some of my observations and some things that have helped me quite a bit.

First, I believe that it is caused by hormone imbalance and/or auto-immune issues. Most people notice their symptoms begin with hormone shifts. For me, it was at the beginning of peri-menopause, and came along with other, more common symptoms of that. Along those same lines, the symptoms are always worse at the end of my cycle (pre-menstrually) and better towards the beginning of the cycle. Also, I notice my symptoms flare up (and have heard others report the same) when my immune system is run down or strained, especially if I'm fighting a virus (cold, etc... ). Interestingly, as several others here have mentioned, I also have a history of adrenal fatigue/chronic fatigue. So seeking natural hormone balance and a healthy, balanced immune system are, in my opinion, key to going into permanent remission.

Topically, I have found the most success with a cream called Perrin's Cream Complete, found on the Perrin's website (you'll find it if you google it). It immediately relieves discomfort and seems to help quite a bit overall with other symptoms. It is a soothing antioxidant cream that is very healing as well. It was originally developed to help prevent and reverse skin cancer, so for a condition with an increased cancer risk associated with it, this cream is a good one to have on hand. Also evening primrose oil has been helpful topically.

I have tried to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet to help with the auto-immune aspect: no sugar (very inflammatory and noticeably worsens LS), fried foods, junk foods, processed foods/fast foods, margarine or shortening. About a month ago I also eliminated gluten (mostly found in wheat) and either it's a coincidence, or that was truly helpful because it's better now than it's been in years. A whole foods diet that is loaded with vegetables and healthy fats and protein (which includes SATURATED fats: coconut oil, eggs, butter and meat from healthy, pastured cows, etc... ), fish, krill, or cod-liver oil, and low on grains (especially wheat). Try to eat more like your great-grandparents ate and you'll be doing much better than if you follow the USDA food pyramid! The Weston A. Price Foundation has great info on healthy traditional diets and how our modern, western diet and food preparation has damaged our health (westonaprice.org). Learning about food sensitivities/allergies would also be essential for reducing systematic inflammation. If you can't afford allergy testing, try checking your pulse before and after eating suspected foods. If you notice a marked rise in your pulse after eating a particular food, you are probably sensitive if not allergic to it.

Also avoiding chemicals as much as possible in your environment (cleaning products, unfiltered city water), and food (genetically modified and/or pesticide laden foods) is also important. I know there are lots of supplements that help with inflammation: turmeric, fish oil (or krill or cod liver), vitamin D3 (current recommendations are extremely low, so probably around 5, 000 mg. daily, or better yet, get your levels tested and aim for therapeutic levels--check out http://mercola.com for more info on vit. D), and many more.

There are also supplements designed specifically for reducing inflammation. Chinese mushrooms and herbs have been used with incredible success for a variety of inflammatory conditions, so that would sure be worth checking out. Fungi Perfecti has a product line called Host Defense and a product in that line called My Community that looks very intriguing. It's a very reputable company and scores of people with serious immune and/or cancer issues swear by their products. http://iherb.com seems to have the best prices. Searching out anti-inflammatory diet and supplements should provide lots of good ideas. Hopefully there's something of use in all that!

If I discover a magic pill, I will certainly share my discovery, but my guess is that it's really about getting your hormonal and immune systems balanced out, which involves a more holistic approach to diet and lifestyle than what one pill can provide."

01/23/2011: Sherry from Roanoke, Va replies: "I have had LS for 7 years. I was diagnosed during the 7th month of my first pregnancy. I have tried so much of what is listed here. I also began using the Perrin's Cream about six months ago. It is by far the most helpful thing that I have tried. I am having a flare up now (that is driving me MAD), and I have had to use the steriod cream, BUT what I find is that the Perrin's Cream seems to help restore health to the damaged skin (by the disease and the steroid creams). Healthy diet is crucial. I am a health nut... When I have a flare up, it is usually linked to STRESS! Stress reduction and dealing with it well is crucial. I struggle with this! I will say that since using the Perrin's Cream, I have only had one flare up. Use the CREAM, not the ointment! The ointment is TOO strong and will burn! You are not alone. I am sorry that all of you are dealing with this also."

[YEA]  07/01/2011: Kim from Effingham, Il Usa replies: "Jill from TX:

Your advise is EXCELLENT!! I have done my research and agree with all. I am a LS suffering soul. Perrins cream and your diet recommendations do help.

That being said, I would like to add to this forum some things that have helped me considerably with my LS.

I am certain that mine is associated with the endocrine/immune system. I have enlarged lymph nodes under arm when I have a flare up. I also have hypothyroid too.

In the last year I found a product called I-26 or hyperimmune egg. Started taking this and have had GREAT results, symptoms are greatly reduced. I am planning on continuing this until I find something else. I also came up with a remedy for the pain/itching. Take Lysine in powder form and add to Aloe Vera. Within seconds the pain itching will be gone. I apply this usually 1x a day and it lasts until the evening.

I have had this terrible disease for 8 years and found the lysine trick in a herpes tx. I just tried mixing it in aloe vera and it works like a charm.

I am not sure what caused mine, but it started after I had a hyster and dx hypothyroid.

Again, the hyperimmune egg is worth trying. Just mix it in with OJ, drink down.

God bless, hope this helps some other women."

08/10/2011: Diane from Nashville, Tn replies: "Thank you for sharing your remedies. Do you apply the lysine and aloe Vera topically or take it orally?"

08/17/2011: Kim from Effingham, Usa replies: "For the LS to stop the intense itching... Take the lysine powder and mix it in the Aloe Vera and apply topically. You may need to start doing it 3x/day until it puts the fire out, then you will only have to do it daily. It worked for me. Best and stay blessed. This is an awful disease."

08/20/2011: Gem from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Finally.. A website that gives me some hope. I have written down EVERYone's suggestions and may have to give up work just to manage this LS!! (I wish). But, thanks all for sharing the tips.. I about to embark on a gluten & dairy (&sugar) free diet, see a naturapath AND try many of the 'remedies' on this page. My wish is to stop the steroid creams.. that stop itching but not the progression.. And keep enjoying sex!!"

07/27/2012: Louise from Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.k. replies: "I was diagnosed with LS two years ago. Pure essential lavender oil in the bath has helped me, and also Perrin's cream. Attention to diet, and cutting right back on sugar and yeast products has also helped. I agree that this is a horrible disease, and sometimes I can't believe I have it, but does anyone know how much research is going on to find a cure? What have we all got in common that would trigger this in us?"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  04/01/2013: Tiya from Bellflower, California: "I have has LS for 5 years now and I'm only 16 years old. So far no doctor has been able to figure out a cure to LS. I've done my own experiments and I've been using Shea Butter for 3 years and I rarely have flare ups or any itching. Though I notice I have more discharge but it's worth not having unbearable itching."

[WARNING!]  09/10/2009: Kathy from Brisbane, Australia: "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 symptoms

This 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!"

08/14/2010: Sandra from Grantham, United Kingdom replies: "HI

MY DOCTOR AS ADVISED ME TO USE AN EMOLIENT CREAM FOR WASHING/CLEANING THE VAGINAL AREA. THIS HELPS TO STOP IT FROM DRYING OUT, WHICH IN TURN WILL GIVE THE AREA TIME TO HEAL."

05/01/2011: Jonimoso from Fraser, Michigan, Us replies: "I was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis 7 years ago. According to my doctor "no known cause no known cure" -- just take this prescription for the rest of your life and you'll never get better. I also thought it may be linked to use of products for vaginal candida which I used just about every other month for about 5 years before being diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis. Struggled with vaginal candida for many years, but now am free of it. I used 1 teaspoon of dissolved ionic mineral salt in 1 ounce of water, followed by 1 liter of purified water daily for 3 weeks and have had no more candida and also, no more flare ups of lichen sclerosis. Can't say I'm cured, since I haven't seen a doctor after using it, but am extremely happy with the results. Also in the past, I have used organic coconut oil in the vaginal area (anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal) for lubrication and sensitivity. IMPORTANT NOTE: Coconut oil breaks down latex condoms, so use polyurethane instead. Hope this helps."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  09/23/2011: Wendy from Bristol, Avon, Uk replies: "I'd like to add my pennyworth to this thread for what it is worth and in the hope that it may help just one person, more even better. I have suffered from food allergies for some 40 years, I was never able to get rid of them, only control them by eating less. I was diagnosed with LS about a year ago, but I think I may have had it in a more minor form for much longer. For the first two months it didn't seem much of a problem, but then it developed rapidly into a major discomfort and pain. I threw everything but the kitchen sink at it, in order to find a solution. I found that lots of things helped but only temporarily.

Then finally as a result of a paragraph I saw written by a Doctor about psoriasis, his theory was that toxins were unable to escape through the normal route ie liver kidneys so they moved to the next available organ which was the skin, causing serious skin eruptions. This made a lot of sense to me, so I started to treat LS like it was one of my allergic reactions, and bingo, the first real success in 8 months of trying. All I did was cut down on my consumption of food by approximately one third. The sores, pimples and razor like cuts cleared up instantly, and the itching wasn't far behind. My symptoms are now 90% reduced, and I can control the symptoms by dieting. Someone mentioned a low carb diet, and I noticed that certainly applied to me also. Ironically vegetables and fruit, the things you would think were good for you, were causing a lot of surface itching that kept me awake all night. I try to eat any major meal early in the day, and at night it might just be a small high protein meal, like a leg of chicken, but no veg or fruit especially potatoes.

I do think this disease is multifaceted and there is no one solution for everyone. One thing I want to say about this. It had spread from my vulva to anus, cleavage, bust, and all over my back, and finally to my mouth where the white skin was about an inch long and half inch wide. I managed to easily get rid of the mouth problem by putting garlic oil on about 6 times a day. It completely disappeared within 3 to 4 days, and didn't reappear for about two months, when I again repeated the treatment and it went again. The diet cleared up the itching on my back and breasts and anus. The manic itching in the vulva area disappears 90% of the time as long as I don't overeat at all, and I am still experimenting with food to get an even better result. But right now I am in a very good place, and maybe this approach might help others. That is my sincere wish - if only to help one person with this awful disease.

I don't know if garlic oil repeatedly applied to white patches in any other area would work, as it seems to me that every place you get it, it behaves differently, so I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had any success with that. My sincere best wished to all. Just because they tell us this disease is incurable, doesn't mean we shouldn't try to cure it."

10/11/2011: Angela from Pasadena, Ca, Usa replies: "I think that you will find that many people with LS were treated with creams before diagnosis because they or their doctors thought their symptoms were candida. So that would mean they already had LS, not that the creams caused it. That is what happened to me. I was diagnosed with LS after 10 years or more of symptoms that were missed by many doctors and midwives. One midwife saw that it wasn't candida, and saw the changes in the skin, but she apparently knew nothing of LS and called it non-specific bacterial infection, and had me take peridine baths. I've been using clobetasol sparingly for 19 years, and it has arrested the progress, but I don't want to use it anymore."

[YEA]  11/05/2011: Lynn from Madison, Ms replies: "Hi Everyone, I've been looking for anwers in many places regarding LS, I've had this for over 10 years myself and it affects my bottom/anal area mostly and I just got fed up with it all!

#1 I've greatly redued the amount of gluten I take in, amost impossible to go Gluten free, but baby steps...

#2 Whole foods, veggies, meats, fruits... I TRY to stay away from processed foods.

#3 and the most important Take a GOOD probiotic. NSM sells a great probiotic, available online.

#4 DO NOT Use the Steroid cream if you can help it! I use A&D ointment on my bottom after every bathroom visit. I also use an aloe/vitatmin E Infused toilet paper, cottonnelle with Aloe & E and Unscented Baby Wipes with Aloe and E after every BM.

The LS is very manageable, I'll even have sex again, my Hubby is so happy... My Gyno is amazed, he said my bottom looked normal! No Steroid cream for over 4 months... IF I have a flareup he suggested minute amounts of the steroid mixed with the A&D ointment... But so for ok, the ointment takes the "edge off" any itchy burny sensation. I know this doesn't cure the LS, but it greatly reduces the effects. Some holistic MD's say the issue is fungus so I'm on it about the probiotics.. I take a double dose once a day... Stay away from Dairy as well even yogurt w/ probiotics..."

01/04/2012: Mary from Encino, California replies: "I am 60 years old. I was diagnosed with LS about 3 years ago and prescribed clobetasol which seemed to keep it from progressing. About a year ago and about 6 months after I had a gyn exam, I was horrified to discover that my labia was all but gone, I had scar tissue covering my clitoris, and the hood was at least 50% fused.

I have been receiving UVB light treatments (excimer laser) twice a week at first and now once a week for almost a year. Plus I use the clobetasol 2 weeks on and 1 week off. My symptoms have completely reversed. The scarring/lesions are gone. It took a bit of effort to get my insurance company to pay for the treatments, but they couldn't deny the supporting research. The clitoris, hood, labia have returned to normal. Occasionally I have some white patches and itching on the week I'm off the clobetasol. I have also eliminated sugar, wheat, dairy, and artificial sweeteners from my diet for about six months, which is why I think I have been able to reduce the treatments to once a week.

In my research I found and visited a cosmetic gyn who developed a surgery to unbury the clitoris without damaging the nerves. His name is Dr. Ostrenski. He is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Doctors comes from all over the world to study his technique."

[YEA]  03/29/2009: Colleen from New Brunswick, NJ: "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"

12/05/2010: Anna from Toogoolawah, Queensland Australia replies: "Asian ladies report that LS is caused through the non washing of new under garments before wearing. I worked in China for 10 years and developed LS whilst there and went to see a doctor (Western man) he had no idea of what it was or how to treat it. I went to a pharmacy and the old gent told me the cause was due to new clothes unwashed first as they were contaminated with all sorts of chemicals. Same applies to chain store(cheap imported clothing) clothing.

I use Neem 100% pure oil after I have soaked in a small bath (baby bath if you can fit lower end in it) in Magnesium Chloride flakes once a week for about 20-30 minutes. 2 table spoons to half a bucket or 5 litres of warm water. Relax and read a book or something. Wont cure it but it brings relief and you wont be using dangerous/harmful drugs."

12/06/2010: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "It was either last year or early this year there was a report on a TV show (Landline I think) about the amount of formaldehyde that is in imported clothes that are made overseas. 700 times (and no the 700 is not a misprint) the normal level of formaldehyde was found when they tested them. It is used to help prevent creases and prevent insect and rodent damage whilst in storage. So who knows what other chemicals are used as well. I know of many people (myself included) who cannot even touch new clothes or any new material. It used to take 2 or 3 washes before I could use anything new. I used to have my mum or a friend do the 1st wash for me and then we could have it in our laundry. It now takes 7 - 8 washes before I can touch them. This includes soakings in bi-carb soda before washing. The last pkt of knickers have been washed so many times and left out in the rain but I still cannot get them clear. So it looks like the pennies will need to be saved to buy organic underwear."

12/06/2010: Victoria from Wichita, Kansas replies: "Has anyone tried Coconut Oil for this condition (LS) ?"

04/20/2011: Jen from Vancouver, Bc, Canada replies: "I am 28 years old female who was diagnosed with LS in Aug 2010. After 2.5 years of continuing Yeast infection and Strep B bacteria since my honeymoon in Caribbean.

I believe after taking many antibiotics and Diflucan, my body collapsed!

I had a blood test and my natural path informed me that I am Lactose intolerant and I have to avoid Dairy and Gluten. I am taking Probiotic and Fish oil (Omega 3) and L-Glutamine (I guess to clean my liver. ) I have not seen any major changes to LS in my vulvar area. Yet, I can feel less gas (stinky gas), diarrhea, bowel movement and no more Yeast and Strep B bacteria.

Treatment:

Yeast: after unsuccessful 2 years of using Antibiotic, I used Boric acid and soaked my body in Baking soda every day for a few weeks which have been very very helpful. Even my husband did it too. I am free of yeast or bacteria now.

LS: I have been using lower dose of Topical cream which was useful at the beginning but not after 3 months. After the flare up and no sexual intercourse for a while because of the pain and itchiness, doctor gave me another higher dosage of cream, I have been using this for 3 weeks now and it is helping a lot. But I don't want to be dependent on this at all. I am young, still have another 50 years to go, can't use the cream for the rest of my life. I don't have any kids yet either.

My research shows that Omega 3 (fish oil), and probiotic are great to use to balance your body and create healthy skin. Healthy diet is another one, have a test or look at your blood group type and see what is better to eat for your body type. I did a cleanse in summer which helped my body to normalize and of course got rid of the yeast.

Also, I have found that Neem oil, Calendula oil, Emu oil are helpful. I have heard from a few professionals about Neem oil and Calendula, but rarely about Emu oil. So I was reluctant to buy Emu oil for my LS. Apparently, some people used Emu oil and it worked but not many professionals know about it.

Yesterday was the first night I used Neem oil and hoping to be helpful.

If anyone has any other suggestions, Please let me know.

Jen"

09/25/2011: Tropical Qld from Australia, Qld replies: "I have had LS for 13 years and had no idea what it was until I saw this post.

I have gone to the doctor and each time I go, they diagnose me with Thrush. So I'm so grateful to find that there are other women out there.

I noticed this in my teens and found everytime I had candy, chocolate or anything high in sugar, the itching would get worse. Bread from the grocery store and carbs in particular would also make the itching worse. For this reason, I just limited my carb and sugar intake (I have the sweetest tooth ever! ) and found that it was fine. Exercise, like 30 minutes of intense cardio regularly really helps with the symptoms.

I have young children and my diet has gone out the window and I've noticed that my symptoms are getting worse and the burning is getting more intense. I think I will have to get back on the bandwagon and continue with a 'healthy lifestyle.'

I have found cocoa butter oil helps with the itching and it's funny as I bought neem oil a couple weeks ago for this reason and looks like other ladies on this site have found it helpful."

01/19/2012: Venda from Redmond, Wa replies: "Biopsy showed lichen sclerosis, sorry I always misspell this. Prescribed ointment thinned out skin so it would easily break, so I stopped. Also when preg wanted natural option. Best natural relief: Burt's bees chapstick, with peppermint is the best. Can be used several times a day without irritation. Shower daily a must. If leaking urine after baby, wipe with wipey as well for extra cleaning. Actually have always been very sexual, and luckily this hasn't affected my drive :)"

[YEA]  03/04/2013: Georgina from Tolmie, Victoria, Australia: "I don't know about the Essiac Tea but I recently read on a Lichen Sclerosa Forum about Witch Hazel. The writer had felt that in someway her urine was to blame for her symptoms. I had had some similar thoughts so decided to follow her advice.

For the past week I have been drying myself, after having a pee, with a tissue, and then wiping myself with a tissue with some Witch Hazel on it. The effect has been quite dramatic. No more itching or soreness at all.

Is it possible, I wonder, that there is some toxic reason for the urine to affect the vulva so badly. All one gets from the medical profession is that Lichen Sclerosa is believed to be an auto-immune system breakdown. That seems to be their answer for anything they don't have an answer for.

In closing I should say that I don't believe my Lichen Sclerosa to be a really bad version of the complaint although I have had it for the past ten years. If I can stop using the Diprosone Ointment by using Witch Hazel I shall be well pleased."

03/19/2013: Daisy from Ewa Beach, Hawii replies: "Try Essiac Tea, it really does cure LS. My doctor says LS is from proteins in the blood misfiring."