Underwear options when lichen sclerosis flares

Posted by itchybits @itchybits, Jun 6, 2024

Hello...I have lichen sclerosis that when flaring, affects my groin creases. I also have intermittent urinary & fecal incontinence. I do often have to wear incontinence underwear, however, the elasticized leg band irritates my groin crease. I would really love to see the adult underwear business start to cater to those of us who would do better with a "boy short" design. I have contacted the parent company of "Always Discreet" products & they have replied saying my ideas have been forwarded to research.

At home & in rare times when I feel I will be safe without incontinence products, I wear boy short underwear as it is least likely to irritate lichen sclerosis in the groin crease area.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Profile picture for hungryhat64 @hungryhat64

Hi,

I completely understand your predicaments, in fact, my LS has always been irritated by underwear (flare up or No flare up), as it is the groin area I am affected the most with this disease. I discovered Bjorn Borg's mini 'cotton' shorts' (the Swedish tennis player), here is website link which I hope you find helpful.
https://www.bjornborg.com/en/core-minishorts-5-pack-10002926-mp001/

Jump to this post

Thank you, yes that’s where I am bothered also, flareup or not. So uncomfortable. Appreciate your reply. Thank you.

REPLY
Profile picture for hungryhat64 @hungryhat64

Hi,

I completely understand your predicaments, in fact, my LS has always been irritated by underwear (flare up or No flare up), as it is the groin area I am affected the most with this disease. I discovered Bjorn Borg's mini 'cotton' shorts' (the Swedish tennis player), here is website link which I hope you find helpful.
https://www.bjornborg.com/en/core-minishorts-5-pack-10002926-mp001/

Jump to this post

I just got on their site and one pair is $24 no delivery charge no tax.

REPLY
Profile picture for rashida @rashida

Yes, but they are shipped from Europe … no? In which case, a hefty shipping charge …?

By “low rise”, I mean waistline sitting at the hip as opposed to high rise which means waistline sitting at the waist - or sometimes a bit higher. Low rise underwear does not fit right on me.

Jump to this post

Three pack is $36 no tax/shipping.

REPLY
Profile picture for heart2024 @heart2024

Incontinence pads that stick inside your underwear come in a variety of sizes to accommodate most body types. Available on Amazon and in most grocery stores and pharmacies. Also, have you tried cutting the elastic bands out of the legs of the underpants? Then wear boy shorts over them to keep them snug to the body. It is a make do fix but may help.

Jump to this post

Hi that's what I did this week. I cut the elastic around the crotch area and it did help. Only certain underwater will work though.
Thank you!

REPLY

While we're talking about underwear, I'm wondering if the fabric makes a difference? Is cotton a better choice than a synthetic material? And what about pantyliners? I have stress incontinence and urgency, so I always wear a pantyliners when I go out, but I'm trying to get away with not wearing one a few hours a day while at home because I'm wondering if it triggers or aggravates a flare-up. My diagnosis of lichen sclerosis is quite recent, but I've had symptoms for years without knowing what was going on. This forum is so helpful. I'm grateful for the support, understanding and good counsel I find here.

REPLY
Profile picture for patann @patann

While we're talking about underwear, I'm wondering if the fabric makes a difference? Is cotton a better choice than a synthetic material? And what about pantyliners? I have stress incontinence and urgency, so I always wear a pantyliners when I go out, but I'm trying to get away with not wearing one a few hours a day while at home because I'm wondering if it triggers or aggravates a flare-up. My diagnosis of lichen sclerosis is quite recent, but I've had symptoms for years without knowing what was going on. This forum is so helpful. I'm grateful for the support, understanding and good counsel I find here.

Jump to this post

@patann Lichen sclerosus is an autoimmune condition that can be triggered by multiple factors. Have you been using a topical corticosteroid for treatment?

REPLY

Pads can be an issue. Don’t leave a wet one on… I find urine really hurts lichen planus. Also when home I try to wear a house dress or night shirt with no underwear. I wish you relief!

REPLY
Profile picture for patann @patann

While we're talking about underwear, I'm wondering if the fabric makes a difference? Is cotton a better choice than a synthetic material? And what about pantyliners? I have stress incontinence and urgency, so I always wear a pantyliners when I go out, but I'm trying to get away with not wearing one a few hours a day while at home because I'm wondering if it triggers or aggravates a flare-up. My diagnosis of lichen sclerosis is quite recent, but I've had symptoms for years without knowing what was going on. This forum is so helpful. I'm grateful for the support, understanding and good counsel I find here.

Jump to this post

@patann, My Gyn told me to wear white cotton underwear. Yes, pantyliners are a big problem, but sometimes we have to wear them. When I am at home and it is not cold, I wear men's boxer shorts with skirts, size medium even though they are much too large for my small body. I had looked for leg warmers, but did not find them so I cut off the foot part of some long socks and use those when I just can't stand pants at home. The boxer shorts don't touch the sensitive area. I have been trying to figure out what to do when I go out and would like to wear pantyhose, but that is a problem because not only is this not good for the sensitive area, but my skin is so touchy that my legs often are itchy and do not like pantyhose nor tights. If anyone has found a solution to this problem, I would appreciate hearing about that. Perhaps there is another fabric for tights that will work. Yes, this forum is very helpful. Everyone is sharing what works for them with the hope that it will help others. LS is miserable and I am sorry you have it but I am sure you are glad you have a diagnosis. With all good wishes, @joybringer1.

REPLY
Profile picture for joybringer1 @joybringer1

@patann, My Gyn told me to wear white cotton underwear. Yes, pantyliners are a big problem, but sometimes we have to wear them. When I am at home and it is not cold, I wear men's boxer shorts with skirts, size medium even though they are much too large for my small body. I had looked for leg warmers, but did not find them so I cut off the foot part of some long socks and use those when I just can't stand pants at home. The boxer shorts don't touch the sensitive area. I have been trying to figure out what to do when I go out and would like to wear pantyhose, but that is a problem because not only is this not good for the sensitive area, but my skin is so touchy that my legs often are itchy and do not like pantyhose nor tights. If anyone has found a solution to this problem, I would appreciate hearing about that. Perhaps there is another fabric for tights that will work. Yes, this forum is very helpful. Everyone is sharing what works for them with the hope that it will help others. LS is miserable and I am sorry you have it but I am sure you are glad you have a diagnosis. With all good wishes, @joybringer1.

Jump to this post

@joybringer1
Horseback riding cured my incontinence. It strengthened my muscles there. Trotting works best.
Then you won’t have to wear underwear.
I hope you aren’t afraid of horses…

REPLY
Profile picture for swalex @swalex

@patann Lichen sclerosus is an autoimmune condition that can be triggered by multiple factors. Have you been using a topical corticosteroid for treatment?

Jump to this post

@swalex
Yes, I use Triamcinolone, which helps.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.