Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Does Estrogen Cream Help Lichen Sclerosus

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Loss Of Vulvar Architecture

TULIP: A Revolutionary Lichen Sclerosus Treatment | Coyle Institute

Dr. Rebecca explains that A woman has both a labia majora and a labia minora. In severe lichen sclerosus, the minora tends to fold into the majora, and the clitoral hood and clitoris can become involuted. The skin can become so atrophied that the vaginal opening closes, making intercourse impossible.

Does Estrogen Cream Help Lichen Sclerosus

4.2/5estrogenlichen sclerosus

Topical testosterone, topical estrogen, topical progesterone, and hormone replacement therapy should not be used. Topical avocado and soybean extracts as alternative treatments for mild-to-moderate lichen sclerosus have been used in patients wishing to avoid corticosteroids.

Secondly, what causes lichen sclerosus to flare up? Irritants such as soap, detergents, shower gels, bubble baths can aggravate lichen sclerosus, so using these irritants should be avoided. Friction or damage to the skin can make it worse so overzealous washing and drying the vaginal or anal area should be avoided.

Also to know, what is the best cream for lichen sclerosus?

Corticosteroids. Corticosteroid ointments or creams are commonly prescribed for lichen sclerosus. Initially, you’ll generally have to use cortisone creams or ointments on the affected skin twice a day.

What is the best treatment for lichen sclerosus?

The most common treatment for lichen sclerosus is applying a steroid cream or ointment directly to the affected area. Steroids can be very effective in controlling inflammation, which helps to reduce itching, soreness, and scarring, and can prevent the condition from getting worse.

Address Underlying Inflammation For Lichen Sclerosus

If your body is enduring a state of chronic inflammation due to a hidden infection, food allergies, endometriosis, other autoimmune conditions, or leaky gut, its important to address those as part of your lichen sclerosus treatment plan.

Unfortunately, theres no one-size-fits-all, one and done way to do that.

Testing is vital here removing triggers and analyzing gut flora can be the right place to start.

Tightening up your diet and minimizing processed foods while increasing your intake of organic vegetables, fruits, and proteins is essential in most cases.

Optimizing your supplement protocol with l-glutamine, aloe, and slippery elm , and professional-grade probiotics can be a good idea.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Lichen Sclerosus

The etiology of lichen sclerosus is not known, but it thought to be an autoimmune disorder that is genetically inclined where the bodys defense mechanism attacks its own skin cells. It is also thought to be aggravated by trauma, infections, hormonal and skin changes. It is not contagious therefore cannot be passed onto others by contact.

Skin lesions caused by lichen sclerosus are flat, shiny, whitish, stiff papules that lead to plaque formation. The skin lesions are usually seen in the neck region and trunk. They are asymptomatic but in some cases pruritis or itching may occur.

Lichen sclerosus affecting the anorectal region result in lesions in the vulva that are ivory or white flat lesions with intense itching, which leads to erosions and purpura. In men the foreskin and glans are affected that causes difficulty in retracting the foreskin . This can cause dyspareunia , dysuria and painful defecation.

Oral lesions of lichen sclerosus are rare and may or may not be associated with genital lesions. The oral mucosal lesions are very rare and appear white, flat demarcated lesions similar to the ones in the vulva but differ from that of lichen planus. The most affected intraoral sites are buccal, labial and palatal mucosal regions.

The other sites affected by lichen sclerosus are the thighs, breasts, submammary region, neck, back, chest, shoulders and wrist, but the lesions present here usually remain asymptomatic.

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Complications Of Lichen Sclerosus

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We’re sure you are aware, but it is important to keep an eye out for any unusual changes of the genital skin and the surrounding area, such as thickening of the skin, bleeding or blistering of the skin of the vaginal areas because cancer of the vulva can be linked to lichen sclerosus.

Checking once a month for any changes is recommended. Any changes need to be reported straight away because if it is cancer, the earlier you detect it the greater your chances of effective treatment.

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Lichen Sclerosus : : Clitoris Restoration

I have questions about the clitoris being buried. My first LS breakout was about 7 months ago. Have had a couple less severe ones since. I’ve gotten tremendous relief and healing with the hydrogen peroxide/saline spray, and Caprylic MCT oil Didn’t even know what the heck it was until I found this forum. Have not been to doctor but will make an appt. Noticing as I examine myself that area that my clitoris may be “disappearing” behind folds. I’ve been reading on this forum and wonder: does the steroid cream reverse the fusion a bit? Enough to free it again?I had a friend who had a procedure to “free” her clitoris — not an LS sufferer, but her architecture was such that it was covered up & couldn’t climax with her husband all their married years. She finally did some research and found a doctor who specializes in this, and he said “you’re 100% covered up”. With a minor procedure, she is now normal down there and able to be satisfied with her partner.I was just wondering if the steroid cream or perhaps this procedure could restore my clitoral area as well. It’s been such a short time and my sex life was very satisfying just months ago! I’m 53, btw.

Lichen Sclerosus: A Roadmap To Treatment Beyond Steroids

Its not a household word, but lichen sclerosus isnt exactly rare one study found a prevalence of 1.7% in a general gynecology practice,1 although many women have never heard of it until they read it on a pathology report or their doctor prescribes them a steroid cream. For some, like Sheila, the symptoms are mild or even absent and the condition is discovered upon routine exam for others, itching or pain with sex are what lead them to investigate the problem. Since tissue changes can lead to labial fusion, narrowing of the vaginal opening and even carcinoma , even the mildest of cases should be treated and monitored.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease that may initially manifest as white patches on the skin. The tissue becomes fragile and itchy and because LS is most commonly found on genital tissues, pain with sex is a frequent presenting complaint. LS occurs in women approximately 10 times more often than men and is most common during phases of life with relatively low reproductive hormones .2 Since men make up such a small percentage of LS patients, they are often overlooked in the conversation, although the same general therapies are used for both sexes with the exception of circumcision, which is often an effective treatment in uncircumcised men.3

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I Am Very Afraid Of Cancer My Doctor Says I Must Use Steroidal Creams To Avoid It Is It True

First of all, I understand! Cancer in our society has been turned into a monster that comes out of nowhere and takes the lives of unsuspecting victims. From a holistic perspective, this couldnt be further from the truth.

There are well documented psycho-neural pathways that lead to cancer development. Since half of the population gets cancer during their life and a third dies of it, you would do well to familiarize yourself with those.

As with most conditions, cancer has a multifactorial causality. This means that you wont get it just because you have LS, or because you had a difficult childhood. But put those two together, add lack of emotional support, a doormat personality, suppressive drugs, and an acidic diet, and you would have created just the right cocktail of cancer-causing ingredients.

The best way to prevent your life-style from turning into cancer is to address it holistically and affect change at the level that creates this life-style. That means at the level of mind, body, and soul. This is exactly what constitutional homeopathy does.

Lichen Sclerosus Diet: Foods To Eat And Foods To Avoid

Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvodynia: What They Are and How I Treat Them

Overview

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. It causes thin, white, patchy areas of skin that can be painful, tear easily, and itch. These areas can appear anywhere on the body, but are usually found on the vulva, around the anus, or on the foreskin of the penis in uncircumcised men.

Lichen sclerosis most commonly affects postmenopausal women, but can erupt at any age. It currently has no cure. Even though men get this condition, its classified as part of a group of vaginal disorders called vulvodynia.

There is little-to-no research on the impact of diet on lichen sclerosus. The Vulval Pain Society provides some research pointing to the potential benefit of diet changes, like a low-oxalate diet, that may affect pain level. Findings are not conclusive, and a low-oxalate diet has been refuted by another study.

This lack of ironclad evidence doesnt mean you should not try a low-oxalate diet, especially if a urine test indicates you have high levels of oxalate in your urine. Eliminating high-oxalate food is effective, for some women. You can also talk to your doctor, or dietitian, about the low-oxalate diet, and its potential benefit for you.

There are also alternative diet plans, which might be effective. Around 20 to 30 percent of women with lichen sclerosus have an

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General Diet Guidelines And Tips

Oxalate is a byproduct of your bodys metabolism. Its produced naturally by the body and is also found in many plants. High-oxalate foods can cause inflammation in the bodys tissues. Oxalate is eliminated from the body through urine and stool.

Reducing the amount of oxalate which passes through your system may help to reduce inflammation from occurring around the vulva and anal region. Eating low-oxalate foods may help, especially when coupled with a calcium citrate supplement, or with high-calcium foods. Calcium binds to oxalate, reducing its absorption into the bodys tissues.

Some tips for sticking to this food plan include:

  • Keep a list of high- and low-oxalate foods on hand.
  • Eat calcium-rich foods, or take a calcium citrate supplement daily.
  • Keep a daily oxalate journal, to track your food intake, symptoms, and progress, over time.
  • If you plan on eating out, review the restaurants menu on line, and call ahead to inquire about ingredients used in the dish you wish to order.
  • Drink lots of water and other low-oxalate beverages to help flush out your system.
  • Use an oxalate app tracker to check out the oxalate content of foods, such as breakfast cereals, in the store, and on the go.

Lichen Sclerosus And Cancer

There is a small chance that lichen sclerosus can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. However, only around 4% of women with lichen sclerosus are believed to have developed cancer as a result. It can also take many years for the condition to develop into a cancer and careful monitoring and regular checks can help prevent cancer from developing.

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Menopause Hormone Replacement And Ls

jlb824

Hello, I am 43 and just had my LS confirmed and also found out I am going thru menopause. I first started having LS symptoms about 18 months ago right when I stopped having my period. Just wondering if anyone has experienced the two together and if they are related somehow? I am otherwise healthy. Also, has anyone’s LS improved after going on hormone replacement? My dr. prescribed clob and Prempro which I am not too excited about starting. I am so young for menopause and really just want it all to go away!! I am also going to be doing the Mona Lisa soon. Thanks

0 likes, 13 replies

  • Posted 4 years ago

    Thank you to everyone’s replies. I am just so tired of LS, I have only had it a year and cannot imagine having it the rest of my life. I am so tired of trying diffferent creams and remedies. It itchy one day and sore, red or has tears. Everyday it is something new and different and it also is in the anal area. I am 43 going thru menopause and trying to deal with all of the symptoms that go along with it. Just started on hormone therapy. Clob takes away the itch but burns my skin so then I use aquafor. Feeling so hopeless, not to mention my husband and I have not had sec in over a year. I am just done!

  • What Is Lichen Sclerosus

    for Vaginal Dryness, Painful Sex, Itching, Odor â Hormones ...

    Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition that is ten times more common in women than in men. Lichen sclerosus creates patches where the skin becomes thin, white, and shiny.

    While it can crop up on any part of the body, it usually appears on the vulva. Post-menopausal women and prepubescent girls are the most likely to develop lichen sclerosus.

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    What Is The Best Treatment For Lichen Sclerosus

    Lichen sclerosus can be challenging to treat, and many women struggle with it for some time before finding relief. Conventional treatment typically focuses on the management of the symptoms and prevention of scarring. While most doctors view lichen sclerosus as a life-long condition, it is possible to put the symptoms into remission. With the right steps, many women can eventually experience total relief. It may not be an easy or straightforward road to recovery, but it is possible.

    If your doctor tells you that you have lichen sclerosus, it’s crucial to maintain regular check-ups with your physician. It is considered a chronic disease and does carry an increased risk for the development of skin cancer.

    Home Remedies For Lichen Sclerosus

    Because many people do not respond well to corticosteroid treatment and the risk of adverse side effects, many people choose to use an alternative, natural home remedy.

    Natural home treatments are focused on dietary changes and other home treatments to help ease the itching and soothe any discomfort. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that the following remedies can work specifically for lichen sclerosus and we are largely reliant on anecdotal evidence.

    Nevertheless, many of these remedies are tried and tested and effective for many of the symptoms of the condition including itching and irritation. They can also help keep the skin clean and reduce the risk of infection.

    Essential oils, apple cider vinegar, and Castor oil are all popular options that a number of people have found highly effective. The following are some of the best and most popular remedies that you can try at home.

    If you are going to try a home remedy, try to be patient as it may take some trial and error before you find the best remedy for your own skin.

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    What Causes Lichen Sclerosus

    The cause of lichen sclerosus is not fully understood and may include genetic, hormonal, irritant, traumatic, and infectious components.

    Lichen sclerosus is often classified as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are associated with antibodies to a specific protein.

    • Extracellular matrix protein-1 antibodies have been detected in 6080% of women with vulval lichen sclerosus.
    • Antibodies to other unknown proteins may account for other cases, explaining differing presentations of lichen sclerosus and response to treatment.
    • However, these antibodies could be epigenetic, ie, the results of disease rather than the cause of disease.

    Male genital lichen sclerosus is rare in men circumcised in infancy. It has been suggested that it may be caused by chronic, intermittent damage by urine occluded under the foreskin.

    As onset in women is commonly postmenopausal, a relative lack of oestrogen may be significant.

    Trauma Can Trigger Lichen Sclerosus

    Lichen Sclerosus Treatment

    The medical community has recognized trauma to the area of skin as a cause of the disease.

    Sometimes, activities like horseback riding, bike riding, or even waxing can irritate the vulva’s delicate skin. Many women report lichen sclerosus after experiencing some sort of difficulty with an activity that created friction in the vulva area.

    Sexual abuse, trauma, or under-lubricated sex can also trigger lichen sclerosus.

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    Lichen Sclerosus : : Coconut / Olive Oil And Sylk Vaginal Moisturizer Didn’t Work

    I’m not sure if anyone else experiences this? I tend to find something will work for me down there, then it does not. For example: coconut oil has been quite soothing in the past, lately it just irritates me no end. I tried Olive Oil but it wasn’t that great. The Doctor prescribed Sylk vaginal moisturizer and that can either be Okay or not. Has anyone else got other ‘comforters’ for LS? Mine gets sore and stingy as opposed to itchy.

    What Supplements Should I Be Taking

    Here again, no recommendations can be made that would be universally valid, because our individual nutritional needs vary greatly.

    If youre eating a varied, pure enough diet, no supplements should be necessary.

    Synthetically derived vitamins and most multi-vitamins are a big no-no. Their low bioavailability and un-natural origins cause them to act more as a toxic baggage than a support for the organism.

    If you must supplement, rather look into herbs and tinctures as those include all the necessary constituents and co-factors in just the right ratios to be effectively utilized.

    My personal favorite is pickled vegetables like sauerkraut which is packed with high-value vitamin C and a variety of necessary enzymes.

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    Advanced Treatment Options Available At The Menopause Center:

    I have followed the evolving studies and case reports, and spoken often to other vulva specialists concerning the success obtained with the Mona Lisa Touch CO2 laser in treating lichen sclerosis. I have been watching the development and progress of the CO2 laser being used to delay or reverse the progression of this insidious vulvovaginal diseases. I now have enough information, both anecdotal and from published studies to be confident in offering the Mona Lisa Touch laser therapies in my office.

    The MonaLisa Touch CO2 Laser with Dual Probe Therapy is now available in The Menopause Center. In use now for several years, the MLT is a certain type of laser that treats vaginal tissue, plumping up thin tissue, thereby increasing the bodys production of fluid and lubrication of the vagina.

    The newer lasers now have Dual Probe Therapy, meaning it has a different probe for laser of the vulva. The laser beam goes down to a certain level of the vulva skin and can improve lichen sclerosis. Applied in this way, laser energy may increase the production of collagen in the vulva skin and mucous membranes leading to healthier tissue. The response to laser therapy of lichen sclerosis is different in each woman, but is preferred by some women to control the disease. Steroid cream may be needed in addition to the MLT treatments, but in fewer areas of the vulva. LS is extremely variable, and thus an exact timeline depends on the response.

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