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DiscussionLichen Sclerosus: Any other women dealing with this disease?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (323)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hello. I am a 54, almost 55 year old woman. about two months ago i was..."
Although should not leave lichen sclerosis untreated. Can lead to vulvar cancer and can progress and cause much discomfort.
There are natural estrogens that are mixed at a compounding pharmacy. No fragrances and fewer non-medicinal ingredients.
Some people who can't tolerate the cream, possibly because of the products used to produce it, rather than the active ingredient, can avoid that problem with the ointment. I say that because I have personally had greater succes in reducing pain and itch with the ointment. But its good that there is choice.
I was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus after visit to Gyn PA. Unfortunately, my PCP missed it. She was excellent. She did a biopsy to verify diagnosis. She did explain if left untreated, it could lead to cancer. But if treated it is low risk. I do recheck every year.
I take Clobetasol Propionate. Estrogen cream is not an option because I have a history of Breast Cancer that was estrogen receptor (ER) positive so do not want to take anything that introduces estrogen into by system.
Laurie
You are correct. Estrogen cream was wrong treatment. I was treated with cortisone cream and it went away. I never realized how serious this can get. But if treated correctly should not be a problem. It’s a very uncomfortable condition. I have a friend who went to a dr. who treated her incorrectly and she developed vulva cancer. I hope you get the correct treatment promptly. I’ll talk to you any time. Feel better soon
As you will read, many of us are dealing with this. Do not panic, ask your Doctor if they have others they have helped with this as finding a Doctor that is informed is important. It is auto immune but what causes it is a mystery I think because no seems to know why they have it, which includes me. I have had it for years before I even knew what it was. At least you are getting checked out as when I first was having issues, no one seemed to know what it was. My Dermatologist finally verified what I figured out on my own. I use Clobetasol and have for a couple of years now. My ARPN gave me estrogen years ago thinking that would help but I was post menopausal and it started periods so I got right off of it. l I hope they get it all figured out for you
The treatment for lichen sclerosis is a cortisone cream or ointment; often clobetasol. It is not cancer.