Dietary changes for lichen sclerosis

Posted by scarlettoh @scarlettoh, Oct 12, 2022

Has anyone had any luck with dietary changes for lichen sclerosis? (blood sugar management, less sugar, intermittent fasting, no dairy, etc) Ironically I have also found that possibly increased blood flow to the area (through bike riding) has seemed to decrease symptoms dramatically.

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@willows

LS can give either pain or itching or both. Pain can be in the form of a burning feeling or neurological pain or a feeling of arousal that you don’t want or intend any sexual thoughts. This can be caused by the damage to the nerves. A good dermatologist might be helpful or your gynaecologist if either of them know anything about LS. A good ointment with a steroid in it like Clobetasol has been very helpful for me to keep the symptom under control such as burning or itching. However damage to the nerves is usually permanent. Good luck finding a doctor that can help you. .

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Thank you!

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You’re welcome.
It was so embarrassing to tell my doctors about the full extent of my problem. But as LS becomes something we can talk about, more women will not be so shy about saying, is this arousal part of the LS problem and why does the clobetasol help the burning and itching but not the arousal? The answer might be, damaged nerves that keep firing and over which you no control.
By the way, I have been prescribed Pregabalin (lyricist) and I take the maximum allowable dose along with amitriptyline, usually about 25 mg. This gives me a dry mouth, and sleepiness so it’s best for me to take the amitriptyline before bed. This really almost eliminates the neurological pain that causes arousal. I am nor making any recommendations for you, simply telling you what has helped me. If you have adhesions you should talk to your doctor about eliminating them if they are a problem for you. I don’t always go on the mayo site but you can email with any questions.

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I’m currently on a trial research at Mayo, I’m interested to find more resources and treatments available in the Tampa Fl that aren’t too expensive! Thank you

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@irinig

Dietary changes…that depends…each carb/fat/vitamin/mineral etc within us has a different effect on our genes and in waking up our dormant genes…

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There is more to it though. I tried adding a ink but because I am new the system won't let me. Check PubMed published about how diet affects gene expression, systematic reviews list the best articles as they7 have been screened. There are many articles that aren't of good quality but pressure to publish causes this.

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@neuronutrition

There is more to it though. I tried adding a ink but because I am new the system won't let me. Check PubMed published about how diet affects gene expression, systematic reviews list the best articles as they7 have been screened. There are many articles that aren't of good quality but pressure to publish causes this.

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@neuronutrition, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe.

Allow me to post it for you:
- Influence of the Bioactive Diet Components on the Gene Expression Regulation https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8619229/

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I am new here & have been looking for a positive group for information. I have a round area that is fairly painful. Is that what is referred to as a tear? Is it ok to put Clobetasol on it? I just saw a new gyn who said everything looks good & stop the Clobetasol for 2 weeks, then use 2x week for maintenance. End of 1st week without & this happened. This is a confusing illness!

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For me, cutting way back on sugar helped immensely. I also found by accident that keeping the area very dry stopped most of the itching. I use a simple cotton pad from Amazon and keep it fresh and dry:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C98D2V5Y?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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@vostie

For me, cutting way back on sugar helped immensely. I also found by accident that keeping the area very dry stopped most of the itching. I use a simple cotton pad from Amazon and keep it fresh and dry:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C98D2V5Y?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I thought we were supposed to keep area covered with barrier cream.

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@valjb

I thought we were supposed to keep area covered with barrier cream.

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@valjb, my gyn told me not to wear any kind of pads and wants to know what I am using to cover the area. I could use coconut oil or Vaseline. I usually use the latter. I also numb the area with a compounded ointment. With all good wishes, @joybringer1

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@irinig

Dietary changes…that depends…each carb/fat/vitamin/mineral etc within us has a different effect on our genes and in waking up our dormant genes…

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I, too, was wondering how diet helps when Lichen Sclerosis and Planus - for me appears to be genetic, as my grandma, mom, aunt and also suffer like me. I would love to explore this avenue, but totally disrupting my already overwhelmingly complex immune and autoimmune medical history by working on a major dietary change is daunting. I thought I was taking decent care of my diet already, with changes made after a thyroid cancer diagnosis at 21. I have noticed that sugar and feeling hypoglycemic appears to cause quite a few symptoms, but don't know how to begin addressing this. I appreciate your posting making me reconsider making the move to investigate now.

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