Lichen Sclerosus Remedies

I have had LS for a year now. I went on the Low Oxalate diet in September and noticed that the itching immediately began to subside (a HUGE relief considereing I was returning to work and hadn't been able to wear pants for the past 4 months). I had also been experiencing extreem fatigue and digestive issues, which went away within a matter of days. After about a month I was at a confrence and cheated by eating a sandwich and cookie. I was exhausted.

I switched up the low oxalate diet for a gluten free diet and found that the fatigue and digestive symptoms went away, the LS became gradually less itchy, and the white patches started to disappear. I have not had to use steroid cream for months and I have been able to resume a normal sex life. After a significant improvement I realized that while the dietary change was helping it was not the only answer. I had also noticed that the itching would be the worst when I was lying down or sitting for long periods of time so I started jogging. I started off with 2km and have worked up to 6km 3 times a week. I think that the extra blood flow may be what is helping, because I did do regular excercise before, but it was yoga which was much lower impact and much less demanding to the cardio-vascular system. I would like to mention that I have also not had athsma for months since changing my diet. Trying the low oxalate diet an was the best thing did for my LS.

I've been able to reverse Lichen Sclerosis by going on a Low Oxalates diet. Steroid creams do not work. After being on a low oxalates diet within a month my LS has reversed by 50% and still healing everyday! I hope this others -- I never thought in a million years I could reverse LS but it's possible. You can also check out Vulvar Pain Foundation online with similar resources. Good Luck!

Try chitosan capsules by tiens. It made those horrible white patches on my vulva disappear completely. I mean completely!

Lynn, read your note with interest. This is an awful disease.. I wonder if like the bee's our immune systems have been crippled by the pesticides... Food for thought. What I found strange.. I didn't have these problems until I moved to a farming area. I formally lived in the Mtns and drank spring water... I did find that Scar reduction cream (zinc oxide) with the tea extract totally knocks all the itch/thining and any progression of fusion of the tissue. Should have figured this before as this is for overreactive skin tissue. It does not cure it but I don't have to apply every day, just 1 x every 2-3 days. It is strange all of us are getting this....

Hello, I have had LS for about 5 months now. It went from a patch of white skin to scaling skin in very quick order. As I did not want to use steroid creams I researched the internet for alternate solutions. I have added a probiotic to my diet, drink more water, and generally try to keep all sugars and processed foods out of my diet. After trying a few alternate solutions that only temporarily stopped itching, I ordered some Pure Emu oil and although I have only been using for a week I am pleasantly surprised. No itching, the skin seems to be returning right back to normal-texturewise. I will have to wait to see if the white patch returns to its natural colour.

I plan to check in here in a few weeks to update on my condition.

Good Luck to all. This is a horrid thing to live with.

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 :)

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.

Jay, why don't you try a series of 30 minute sitz baths using 1 tablespoon of borax washingn powder in the water, You could even throw in some baking powder if you wanted to. the borax is a powerfull fungicide, bacteria-cide, parasite-ide..... According to all reports on earthclinic.com.... Also safe to use. Even works on dog mange. Maybe throw in some hydrogen peroxide into the sitz bath also.

--------------------------

2nd idea: make yourself some garlic oil out of raw garlic infused in either virgin coconut oil, or cold pressed castor oil. Then use it as a lotion on the skin during the day. also a powerfull fungicide bacteria-cide. go to this website for directions on how to make it:

http://www.keephopealive.org/joi2003vol2.html

Garlic Oil Ointment
--------------------------

3rd idea - use castor oil as a anti-biotic salve on the area. It by its self is a anti-bacterial, anti-fungal. For some reason this is never pointed out by anyone. even the people who advocate it's use.

I am a 67 year old male. I have had Lichens since about age 50. It started with extreme pain in the anal area. It was so severe I used a linament intended for livestock for relief. It was not diagnosed until 3 years ago, and my GP and Dermatologist seemed baffled about the whole thing. I don't think I can describe how painful this condition has been, but at times it felt like I had a razor blade between my buttocks. I have been thru all the steroid creams etc. With no effect. About a year ago a friend recommended baking soda and it has been a lifesaver for me. I soak at least once a day in baking soda bath, and the pain relief has been miraculous. I can usually function for 8 to 10 hours without pain, however I am still plagued by itching. It is best described as like poison Ivy, the more you scratch the worse it gets. I believe that the itch is caused or aggravated by my coffee consumtion, and I am trying to cut back on that. I apply a cream after bathing (Nupercainal) and that usually gets me thru the day. The itch, which is driving me crazy, is usually at night and effects my sleep patterns. I only saw one reference to baking soda in earlier posts, but I can assure you that it has been extremely helpful to me in the relief of pain. I am hoping that eliminating coffee will relieve the itching and in the mean time , I use the same ointment for temporary relief, or just take another bath in very hot water with the baking soda.

I, too have heard of the coconut oil and already use it for my omelets and other cooking. I have had LS for 12 years (43 years old now). The labia is fused for the most part on both sides, with pale, thin tissue. The majora has shrunk a little, but is still somewhat pink. In the beginning, I was put on clobetasol, etc. This was not good. My symptoms really didn't get better, and it thinned the tissue more. I had a dermatologist who put me on Metformin crushed in Vaseline that seemed to help a little. She wanted me to take it orally, but my GI sx at the time prevented that. I have started taking Mercola's Krill oil which has all sorts of backing as an anti-flammatory. Hopefully, the combination of making my body not so inflamed inside, and the coconut oil outside will do the trick. I also have Raynaud's. I agree with eliminating nutra sweet, etc. I eat a low-carb diet. I think we now have more auto-immune than ever, and we need to look at the state our bodies are in. I wish everyone the best. Hopefully, there will be a cure someday! Thankfully, my husband is very understanding :)

There might be some hope for LS sufferers by using Zinc Oxide powder. I'm a 69 year old male and I first got LS at about age 30. After trying a few other treatments I tried simple ZnO powder. Within about 2 days most of the annoying symptoms were gone, and by 2 weeks it was like I never had LS (apart from a little scarring).. LS reappeared about a year ago and I treated it again with ZnO. Amazing, the clearing up of LS as I got 40 years ago. I don't think that the treatment can be as simple as ZnO, but it has worked miraculously for me both times. The reply of Kim from Effingham above is the first time I have seen mention of ZnO working for anybody else.

Hi,

My symptoms occured exactly like Dee's. I don't have itching or any white spots. But I do have some atrophy, white thinning skin in the folds, some past bleeding. I'm really upset that my atrophy will never grow back. This will prevent normal, painfree sex.

I was given potent steroids to apply topically everyday for one month, and then down to 2-3 times per week. After six weeks, my skin looks whiter than ever and I think it's gotten worse.

I took myself off the steroids, but needed something else to replace it. I wanted to do an all natural solution, so I searched this website as well as many others. After much research looking for women with my similar symtoms, I decided to try using Red Clover infusion/tea drinks. Everyone has recommended one quart per day. It has many anti-inflamatory properties as well as healing properties. Research has also showed that LS may be helped by megadoses of antioxidants. So, I went to the heath food store and bought the strongest antioxidant powder mix I could find (they work better, absored more than tablets). That's what I take internally.

As for what to use externally in the vulva area, I decided to use Neem cream followed by Organic Coconut oil (comes in a large jar, very soft and melts in your hand). Both have amazing healing properites, and the coconut oil replaces the essential fatty acids that the skin in this area desperately needs. I use coconut oil in place of everything I would have used butter or oil for, for example, use it for cooking eggs, baking, etc. It also can be used on the skin. I put it all over my body after the shower as a moisturizer. It is awesome! My nutritionist raves about it and uses it for everything also. It's a superfood!

I have used these drinks and creams for two days now, and my skin is already pinker! I still have some white skin in the fold area, but I am hopeful! Before this, I had an almost totally white vulva! I have also thrown away all my sweeteners with Aspartame, and will use only Stevia. I suggest everyone cut out the sugar, even honey. Sugar is sugar, and it creates an imflammatory reaction in the body.

It's worth a try, anything is better than steroids! Let me know how it works for you.....

When diagnosed with LS I was prescribed a steroid cream. The cream instructed to discontinue use after 2 weeks which concerned me so I went looking for another solution. The Doctor said it is one of those conditions that the medical field simply doesn't have an answer for... No one knows how you get it or how to cure it and I have found the same on the internet. The Purple emu oil is great. It is an anti-inflamatory and highly moisturizing which deals with 2 of the symptoms. It really keeps the LS symptoms to a minimum. I will also use it on blemishes, dry skin, and I rub some on my nails before bed time which keeps moisturized and nice.

Hello again on LS... Found something I wanted to share that is working for the elimination of the small white lesions and itching. It is called Scar-Zone. The zinc oxide and antioxidants completely resolve the itching and thinning/white lesions. I hope this helps someone with this dreaded disease. Not sure if it will completely resolve the issue. Please respond and let me know. Thanks.

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...

I have LS my condition has been very severe. I read on this site that someone used Baking Soda in there bath. So since all the other remedies seem to be costly and hardly effective I tried it. Let me tell you IT WORKS. I used 1/2 a box of Baking Soda in the tub and soaked for 30 minutes. I know that sounds like alot of Baking Soda but I was afraid less would not be as effective. After my first soak I did not itch for 3 hours. After 2 weeks I visibly look close to normal. I use 1/2 a box every other day. The itch is still there I am working on my own mix of oils and shea butter to stop the itch and restore myself to 100%. I will write more if my mix works I am still waiting on the supplies.

Wanted to let everyone know... I started using Niacinamide and Lycine (mixed it in a small bottle of pure water) spraying it on the LS and then applying Argan oil, my symptoms have decreased by 60%. I also quit drinking coffee and the skin on the backs of my arms and legs cleared up. Not sure if this was an allergy and LS is connected but am not ruling it out.

This is such an awful disease. Hang in there.

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.

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.

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.

I have what my doctor described as 'Extreme LS' this is where I have LOST most of my vulva and all that remains is the opening ( very small) and part of my clit which is not very painful to. The lenght of my vagina has shrunk to just 2 inches from top to end and if I lose the remainder of my clit I will have to have some sort of mobile tubes to incert when I need to pee.

I have tried everything, cremes lotions ACV, oils, you name it I have tried it including Perrins offerings, even used steroid cremes. Nothing worked. Todate there is NO cure and may not be one in my life time (I am 67) but there is some trials been done in Sweden or Denmark where they are trying out natural Progesterone creme. , available only by script in Australia ( big Pharm dictates here, so Aussie and NZ have to buy from USA). You also have to be careful using Progesterone if you are postmem, which I found to my cost, on 2 seperate days after two small dabs I was in agony with miscarriage/labor pains and the need to bare down, this lasted over 1/2 an hour till I had a show of blood. It turns out that I have a medium fibroid in on the back wall of my womb and the Progesserone acted a prelude to esterone which fed the fibroid and caused it to grow and as a postmenopausal woman that made my body think I was pregnant and it had to go. Thats what my last gyno said, but there again she said I had vaginitis when I first visited her for the itch and dryness 2 years ago. My GP has now got me on DermAid 0.5% which is not so harsh and it helps with the itch, I also sit in a baby bath of warm water with 1/4 cup ACV 1/4 cup Bicarb soda, and 1 cup Magneesium Chloride which I buy from food ingredient suppliers and I find this is works as well as anything I have tried so far and all 3 are good for the body anyway. I will try Argan oil in the blend next for the dryness.

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!!

Hello, I too work in the medical field, have you had any success with new insights from MD? Do you visit Pubmed frequently? They have found the tissues to be abnormally deficiet of antioxidants. When I use them (above) it really does decrease the symptoms. Lycine works too.

Mine stopped reacting, skin was pinking up with oral intake of vinegar - the very same reaction with MS and vinegar. MS is an autoimmune disease. Vinegar inhibits a reaction of the autoimmune.

Western medicine has found that some of the medication used for anti rejection for organ donors are working but not resolving it.

Does the Estrace stop the progress of the disease?

For research purposes do you have Estrogen dominance? Thyroid link?

I was hoping Ted would comment, maybe he has something to offer.

Hello again, I wasn't to clear on the MS and LS connection... According to research taking Vinegar stopped MS symptoms (auto-immune symptoms), when I took Vinegar for LS my symptoms stopped. LS is an auto-immune condition. Acetic acid (vinegar stops the reaction). Has anyone else tried oral vinegar for LS? It worked for me, but again I can't do it because it demineralizes my bones.

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.

Hello,

I have had some success with all the self experiements I have tried.

The ACV completely stopped all symptoms for me, but I couldn't take the ACV as it thinned my bones and bothered my joints. I found a interesting article at Pubmed indicating that acetic acid (ACV) stops MS symptoms, in relation to inhibiting a gene tranference. The following was a conclusion about LS being related to an oxidized state and recommending anti-oxidants - thus my remedy below.

The enzymatic antioxidant defence in LS was found to be significantly disturbed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate oxidative damage to lipids, DNA and proteins in LS, revealing a novel pathophysiological mechanism which may contribute to sclerosis, autoimmunity and carcinogenesis. Therapeutic strategies using antioxidants might be a useful new approach in the treatment of LS and could also help to prevent secondary malignancies.

For the Itch, I buy PURE Aloe Vera, mix with Lysine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Cystene, Primerose oil (a few drops), Grapeseed extract and it usually keeps that BAD fire at bay without any flare ups and without the itch. I have had it for 11 years and only have (1) 1/4 inch scar. I do have some atrophy, but that came from attempting to use OTC steriod creme (absolute no-no). The scar over my pubic bone completely resolve using the ACV and above remedy. I thought I was totally resolved when I was taking the Vinegar daily, I had nothing, no symptoms and skin was regaining pink color. I stopped taking vinegar because it was demineralizing my bones - started noticing joint and back issues.

I regained minimal symptoms when stopped so continue to use above mixture with good results to stop the progression. I am going to start adding Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide to the mixture. I am going to start taking niacinamide (small dose as it can be toxic if to much) I am hoping for a straight out healing!!! I am certain it is related to thyroid issues - that started when they put me on Premarin after hysterectomy - causing my thryroid to fail completely. I will post with results.

TED - HELP!!!!

I want to know if Ted would answer a question. I have been taking Armour Thyroid for 11 years, did an Ultra sound found out the thyroid tissue has regenerated. Is there anyway... somehow I can get off of the medication? Have your ever heard of this?

Thanks.

Im all ears... What's your concoction? I would love to know.

Thank you for sharing your remedies. Do you apply the lysine and aloe Vera topically or take it orally?

I have had symptoms of LS for 2 years now and have finally found a way to keep it under control. The symptoms started after menopause with extreme vaginal dryness. Then the vulvar skin breaking, bruising and vaginal atrophy began. I work for a GYN doctor so I knew what was happening to me. I did try Perrins cream which helped a little in the beginning. I vas very reluctant to use any prescription medication, but after suffering for so long I finally tried a very small dose of Estrace cream vaginally once or twice a week which has helped alot. (I did not want to use Steroids). I also apply pure vitamin E oil (found at Target for $5.00) to the vaginal/rectal area everyday after bathing/soaking. I use only natural soap very gently in that area, no bleach on underwear, avoid any perfumes or strong dryer sheets that irritate, no underwear when at home and only lightly blot when using toilet paper. These things have helped me tremendously. Avoiding sugar and taking high potency probiotics do also help. I hope and pray that a natural cure can be found and that the cause of this awful condition will soon be discovered. I have been doing my own research and taking note of the similarities in women who have this condition. Hope this helps someone.

I have LS , never did have a yeast infection or bladder infection. Mine started after I had my hysterectomy. Then dx with hypothyroid. I have found a relief in my own concoction - through many trials... and think I might have gotten rid of it.

I have vaginal Lichen symptoms and have had chronic vaginal candidas for many years. I am wondering if vaginal yeast infection is THE precursor to vaginal Lichen Sclerosus? Has anyone had the Lichen problem without a pre-existing candidas problem? Just trying to locate the possible origin of my condition. Thanks.

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.

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.

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

In 8/2010 I was diagnosed with L.S. After a routine pap. I am 45, on a high dose estrogen birth control pill. So lack of estrogen, confuses me. 1/2 my clitoris is closed up and I had NO SYMPTOMS! Needless to say I am shocked. I have been battling body pain for 2 years maybe fibromyalgia, symptoms are similiar and on several medications. I did recently test for HPV, but they say no connection. I am using steroid, but no change. Yahoo has an excellent support group for this too. But has anyone found anything to reverse the skin closing? I do not want to have surgery, but seriously my clit. Please there are few things in life I am not willing to give up and that is one of them. HELP. Thanks

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.

For Lichen Sclerosus, eliminate diet drinks, Soda and Crystal Light sweetened with aspartame from your diet. Aspartame is made out of wood alcohol, a toxin. When Aspartame 1st came out many years ago, I had the same symptoms, they now call Lichen Sclerosis. My doctor worked with me eliminating foods and drinks I was ingesting. We found my symptoms would elevate after aspartame drinks. After eliminating aspartame from my diet, I felt relief within a few weeks. Although it took a year to clear up all symptoms. I have been free of all symptoms for many years now. I read all labels, I do not eat or drink anything with aspartame.

Lichen Sclerosus 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.

Has anyone tried Coconut Oil for this condition (LS) ?

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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!

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!

I was diagnosed with LS a few years back. Contrary to your theory I had never used any vaginal creams for any ailment.

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

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.

WARNING!

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.