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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.

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patann | @patann | Nov 18, 2025
In reply to @joybringer1 "@patann, My Gyn told me to wear white cotton underwear. Yes, pantyliners are a big problem,..." + (show)
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@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.

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@joybringer1
Thank you for sharing your experience and some novel ways to deal with this nasty condition.

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joybringer1 | @joybringer1 | Nov 20, 2025
In reply to @mrbear0830 "@joybringer1 Horseback riding cured my incontinence. It strengthened my muscles there. Trotting works best. Then you..." + (show)
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@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…

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@mrbear0830, No, I do not like horses and could not possibly sit on a saddle since I have terrible LS and the thought of trying that is not something I can do. I have given my bicycle away because I can no longer sit on that. LS is the problem with me and now I have what my gyn said are broken blood vessels that are red spots all over my vulva. Incontinence is not my problem. I am glad something helped your incontinence. With all good wishes, @joybringer1

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bluesmoke | @bluesmoke | Nov 21, 2025

I not only gave up riding my bike I had to sell my horse since I could no longer ride either one. I even get flare ups from riding the lawn mower too long. If I get too sweaty while hoeing in garden or working in the yard that flares me up, I pretty much have to think about everything I do to avoid flares. I don't give up but it sure can get you depressed. Lichen sclerosis is a terrible disease to have. I had endometriosis when I was young and had a hysterectomy at age 28 so I know what pain is, but LS is something that has no cure and its treatment goes on and on from flare to flare.

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