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[Midnight Shadow]

Has anyone been diagnosed with Lichens Sclerosus? I thought I may be suffering thrush but the lady Doctor I managed to see today thinks I may have Lichens Sclerosis. She took a swab to check  for thrush. If it's not one thing it's another. She has prescribed a strong steroid cream which I have to use for three weeks and she hopes it will calm everything down. I think someone suggested I may have this before. Will let you know how I get one with the steroid cream. Not the start I was wanting for 2020.

[CLKD]

Put it into the search box and see what pops up?  Make notes?  It's been mentioned B4.

[Dierdre]

I have been diagnosed with this a couple of years ago and use Dermovate cream when i need it. Prescibed twice a day for a month then twice a week for another month for maintenace but its usually calmed down after a couple of weeks and the vulva specialist said to continue use just as and when needed. Using Ovestin externally nightly is also part of the treatment as Lichens is usually linked to low estrogen and I also have atrophy so use Vagifem as well.  The vulva specialist explained i could go for months or even years without having a flare up and it has been ok now for over a year.  The only way to be certain if it is definately Lichens is with a biopsy, ive not had one but the steroid cream worked very quickly after months on just local estrogen thinking it was just atrophy.  To be honest i find managing atrophy much harder.

[CLKD]

Dierdre - how often do you use the 'vagifem'?  It can be used every night in order to ease symptoms.

[Dierdre]

Im allowed 5 per week max, waiting for appointment with vulva clinic to see specialist to up the dose to daily as my GP wont do it without his approval. I am managing though with the Ovestin every night as well, just. Got a re scan next week re thickened portion of endometrium and gynae on 6 March so will ask her if she'll up it but depending on scan results. To be honest, the vagifem doesnt help much on the vulva for me anyway and the Ovestin everynight is ok with the Dermovate once or twice a week. Still get blips but dont we all...

[CLKD]

Maybe ask for 'ovestin' instead, same idea but delivered by applicator: cream squeezed from the tube into the applicator and inserted gently: press applicator, job done ;-)

[Dierdre]

I have tried that too but find the Ovestin is not as effective inside as Vagifem so using both works better.

[Dierdre]

I think you'll find the steroid cream works quite quickly Midnight Shadow and just use once or twice a week as needed for maintenance once your comfortable again.

[Midnight Shadow]

Thanks for all these replies, very helpful. My Doctor has changed my Dermovate Ointment to the Cream. I believe I am allergic to the paraffin in the ointment. I have also been told I can use the Vagifem regularly until I get some relief. I do think the Lichens is something I have had previously, but it has only just been diagnosed. On top of the Atrophy plus Lichens it is a nightmare. I shall use the Dermovate Cream for the first time tonight and cross my fingers that it works. The burning from having a wee is the most debilitating symptom. I moisturise with Vagisan. What moisturiser do others use? Replies appreciated.

[CLKD]

I've successfully used KY Jelly as a moistoriser.  Others use 'yes' or 'sylc' products, if you look in the search box for advice?  I believe that one can ask for samples 

Get that 'vagifem' working ;-). 

[Joaniepat]

Midnight Shadow, to prevent burning from wee you would need something to form a barrier. However, if you are allergic to paraffin that limits you a bit. What about an oil-based moisturiser like Yes OB or Olive & Bee? You would at any rate be best using something with as few ingredients as possible to avoid further irritation, with no nasty chemicals. I'm not sure if Vagisan falls into that category. Olive & Bee, for example, contains just olive oil and beeswax. If you join the Vaginal Atrophy Facebook group you would get plenty of ideas from there, as quite a few of the ladies have lichen sclerosis as well as VA.

JP x

[Midnight Shadow]

Thanks Joaniepat will look on the Facebook site. Where would we all be without help from each other.?  Thanks for responding.

[Dierdre]

I use YES water base as organic and no chemicals to irritate.

[Midnight Shadow]

Feeling somewhat relieved. My Doctors surgery rang this morning to say my Swab for Thrush has come back positive. Off to get my prescription and fingers crossed it sorts out my Burning. Thank you for all your replies, they have been much appreciated. Did buy some Olive and Bee and have to say it is so soothing. Thank you for recommending it. Hope you are all having a better day.

[CLKD]

You can now get treatment which should ease symptoms.  Let us know how you get on!