Underwear options when lichen sclerosis flares

I have seen disposable funnels in travel catalogs that women can use in latrines. Those would possibly be a solution.

You’re right! I forgot about those. Anyone buying these would want to look for one with a small cup area that goes against the skin. I think the manufacturer’s think we can’t find the urethra opening (and they’re mostly right) and they make the cupped side large - so there maybe be splashing against the skin.

Right on!

Just a caution - for my peace of mind, and maybe some others - May I suggest going forward we not even raise the MISconception of what others may think LS is...because it ISN'T; it has nothing to do with anything other than (and this is the SERIOUS, lifelong part) a long-neglected, minimally-researched skin condition that has no cure at the present time, and can lead to cancer.

Thus, it is not communicable, and there is no responsibility for this condition that can be placed on those living with it.

I know you understand, and - if I may - I think you agree: I just want to not perpetuate misconceptions by repeating them beyond what's been commented on here so far. 🥴

Though I might've worded this more awkwardly than I'd like, I hope - and I think - the message is one all that who do - or will - face LS will appreciate.

My warmest wishes to you, and looking forward to sharing more on this most welcome, and important, forum.🤗

Thank you brandysparks for the clarification. I hope I did not imply LS is anything other than what is suspected to be an autoimmune condition; if I did I apologize. I am a retired medical provider so I understand. But, I am also always surprised by how many people (including women's health providers who have never had to manage a patient with LS) haven't even heard of the condition. I probably would have no clue what LS was if I did not have it myself. It's not necessarily a tabletop discussion topic aside from those who have it, know someone with the condition or take care of those who do. So the general ignorance on LS is understandable. Too many people (men get LS too) have no idea what they have until the condition is so unbearable that they finally seek out help & get properly diagnosed. I am so grateful for forums like these so we can share experiences, advice, love & support with each other. Hugs to all.

I have been prescribed clobetasol
which has healed it but you need to keep up the treatment indefinitely as there is no cure.

I wonder if laying down a layer of silicone gel sheeting right along the crease would protect your skin from the elastic? Silicone gel sheeting is used in burn and scar care. If it can be used to promote healthy skin on burns it would seem like it would be okay over lichen sclerosis. The sheeting is self sticking - although the friction of movement may loosen the edges. It should help keep the skin dry. There is also a silicone gel that comes in a tube - it’s put on like a cream. I don’t know if that would provide a thick enough cover to protect your skin.
Putting something like a 1 1/2” to 2” wide strip along the skin crease may interfere slightly with the seal of the elastic usually against the skin allowing some bodily fluids to escape - but maybe only a tiny amount?
Just a thought, not sure if this would work. But silicone gel sheets have been successfully used on burns and scars for many years. Looks like it can easily be bought OTC.

Here’s an article about the silicone gel sheets and gel -
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486716/

Hello to anyone that suffers from contingence whether rectal or bladder. I had a toxic pesticide exposure in my high rise home 32 years ago. After living in the home for six months I moved. The resulting side effects were many and are ongoing issues that I now have learned to manage.
After this, I had explosive IBS in public places/ and have learned over the years how to best manage the side effects. For the rectal contingence I had a sling put in 10 years ago at the same time I put in a bladder sling. I also put in a rectal muscle stimulator. I now have replaced the first one with a new model now. This does help some but there are lots of rules you should put in place for both types of incontinence-if you have a more aggressive type.
1. See a registered dietician and someone certified in supplements.
2. Understand what medications you are taking and how they might affect these issues.
3. Understand that there are medications you can take daily that will help you with both issues. Plan your mornings near a bathroom in the morning if you tend to have loose or surprise bowel or urine issues.
4. Botox for the bladder incontinence - I see my female Urologist every three months for Botox in the bladder, I usually get five tiny pricks. This will last three or less months to help with the spastic bladder that happens when you suddenly get up from sitting down or out of bed. This does help. Medicare pays for this.

Part two of suggestions from above,
I use certain underwear and also use a pad that sits in the center of the briefs. I use adult diapers if I am having a flare up that seems to last more that 12 hours and also use these after any surgery, thaing them with me to the hospital. It is best to go to the effort to find diapers that fit you right away, try them out and have these and the pads on hand. Know where you can easily get more , should you suddenly need them. sometimes you might order these, the order payment go through and then you find out that they are not coming for weeks.
Keep the necessary toilet cleaning aids behind the toilet hanging or close by. Have a hamper or trashcan filled with pads and diapers near the toilet, and a lined spring lid waste can near also.
Planning ahead and having all the supplies can take the stress out of living with these conditions.
I hope this is helpful and does not offend anyone.