Newly diagnosed and confused over treatment for lichen sclerosus

@ma31302 I found this yesterday and I thought you might find it helpful. One of my sisters sent it to me (they both have autoimmune conditions). It’s a very long article so I singled out the sections on lichen sclerosis. Tap on the photo to enlarge it.
Do you think it might help?

Would you expand on what a Yoni steam is. I am not familiar with that.
I was just wishing that I could find someone like your friend who had a more
naturopathic approach to this condition. I am concerned about the long term use of these steroids; my skin was already thin and overly sensitive before I started using any. alju

Hi! Yoni steam is also known as vaginal steaming (although technically it should be called vulvar steaming). Proper steaming conditions will not burn nor scald you. My bestie instructed me to boil a stock pot halfway full of water and put it on the stove to boil. As it comes to a boil, add your herbs, put a lid on the pot, and steep for 5 minutes. Place the pot in your steaming chair, and sit on your chair for 20 minutes.

Thank you ; an interesting concept, never heard of this.

My derm. put me on clobetasol. Worked like a charm......very quickly. I was not given a time......I now just use it when itchy. Good luck!!!

The majority of posts refer to "itching" which I don't have , so I am beginning to wonder if I have something else. I do have burning and constant pain when I'm seated simply from body weight pressure I assume. I have not had a biopsy so far but it looks like that is the next step, which I really dread. The Clobetasol does not seem to be helping and I've used two other steroids as well. This problem is more upsetting than anything I've ever had to deal with and I have other medical issues.

A biopsy is a simple procedure. Nothing to fear. Good luck.

Hi I was diagnosed with LS when pregnant and flare ups seem to come and go since starting my IUD. I read all about how the clob could actually make the skin thinner and reduced its use to only when necessary. I have found an ointment like Emuaid can manage the majority of my flare ups. I also use castor oil most days for confort. Best of luck to you.

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect @katfdwy ! I’m so glad you found this site and that you felt comfortable enough to make a posting. And I’m glad that you’re doing well! Please feel free to ask any questions you want and to poke around all of Mayo Connect.

I started with twice a week from the outset. This was because I had had LS for years before getting a proper diagnosis and at that point my skin was very thin and I expect my dermatologist wanted be conservative in her approach. In other cases, if the woman has thicker or less fragile skin a more aggressive treatment might be suitable. I would ask Why a given treatment is being recommended for you. Also, if a little bit will do the trick, so much the better, why use more. If a little bit doesn’t do the trick, time to re-evaluate.