Clobetsaol and topical hormone- how long does it take?

I'm 29 and was diagnosed with LS when I was 21 years old. The last 7 years I've been symptom free. Two months ago symptoms returned and I started on clob 5 weeks ago. Last week I went to an LS specialist in DC. She gave me a topical hormone gel and told me to alternate it with Clob. She wants me to call her in a few weeks to check in.

I am starting to worry because I'm still having a burning sensation that isn't going away. I've never had itching- just a burning feeling and my labia majora feel like they are always rubbing together.

How long do flares typically last?

Having the same issue here....flared up since March!!!had a couple good weeks in between, otherwise it's a constant burn!

I have only recently been diagnosed.  I'd had problems for months or even years before I realised there was a really serious problem.   The clob worked almost immediately for me and I was free of burning and itching within about 4 weeks, although I continued with the recommended treatment.  I had a slight flare up when I changed from ointment to cream and a reduced the application to every other day.  I am currently symptom free and trying to reduce the rate of appication.

Hi K.G,

I know this isnt the answer to your question, more of a question for you. I'm 41, diagnosed last year but have LS good while before. I have asked my derm, gyny and gp about addition of topical hormones with clob, as my clitoras is really small and had hoped to regenerate somewhat. But they all said that as I was pre menopausal they wouldn't give it to me. Said I should have enough of own hormones.

Why are are adding topical hormones for you? Just interested as can give reasons to my docs... Feel could be beneficial for me too!

Thanks x

Also just to say, when I started on clob I felt like I was on fire.. Took maybe 3 weeks to settle. Had a lot of sitz baths with bicarb of soda sprinkled in. daily before bed. Definitely helped a lot. Also no underwear after work and I keep a pot of moisturiser (epaderm ointment) in bag for after loo. X

I'm 53 and dr gave me testosterone cream. Had a hysterectomy at 26

Hi Deb-

I was feeling vagina dryness which is not normal for my age. It's a compound a pharmacist made that works directly with my specialist. It has estrogen to plump up the skin and keep things moist and testorone to build up the skin's structure to counteract any skin thinning.

Ah ok, that makes sense so. Thanks.

It will settle down for you. I was at gp recently because I was red raw again and she said that it was an inflammatory response to the steroid. So I reduced the amount and moisturised a bit more. All OK at the moment...

My experience - I use the least amount of Clob.  Only when necessary.  Only on the area that gives some 'inkling' that nothing else will work anymore.

​My main treatment to keep LS at bay is with baking soda baths and rinses, and even more so borax baths and rinses. 

​I would like to suggest that you look at the discussion: An experiment with borax.

​I am 67 and use topical hormone replacement/estrogen, only a drop each day, wich seems to help with the elasticity.  And progesterone capsules.  And I'm doing well, provided I also keep my diet:  gluten free, no added sugar, no alcohol, no caffeine and limited dairy products. And as little as possible - stress. 

​I hope the above is somehow helpful, considering there is a big age difference between you and me.  LS is life long, I'm afraid.  Needs constant maintenance.  Never can get sloppy. 

I'm 67 and use only the minumum amount of Clob.  Only when strictly necessary.  I rely for maintenance on baking soda and borax.  I suggest you look at the discussion "An Experiment with Borax". 

​I'm also on topical estrogen for flexibility.  Keep a strict diet.  And try to avoid excessive stress.  Added sugar and stress are a sure trigger for me.

​Hope the above will be of help.

I think you should start taking borax bass 20 minutes three inches of water with 2 tablespoons of borax powder

You need to change doctors ASAP

Hi, I'm also 67, post menopause and just got diagnosed this week by GP. It's been a very emotional and upsetting time educating myself on this condition. I'm on vagifem and thought my rash was due to the estrogen discharge. I had never heard of LS and am waiting to see the gyne for biopsy. I've started nightly Elocom steroid ointment treatment. Trying to find relief with a moisturizer during the day. Nothing was prescribed. The baking soda sitz bath was a good idea and felt soothing. Any tips or help from others would be very appreciated. It's hard to stay positive and wonder how this condition affects sexual relations. Glad I found this forum.

The first while was the hardest dam, the psychological aspect nearly did me in.  However, the more I learned on this forum the better I became able to cope with LS.  And when baking soda and borax came into this picture,  life improved again. 

​I hope you soon come over the initial shock. 

I am wondering too about having this burning sensation that does not go away.  I had been diagnosed with LS a few years ago and given clob and as it got better stopped the clob. Then was put on internal hormone 2x a week (from menopausal vaginal atrophy). lately the pain started up again and was treated for a yeast infection which is now cleared up. My doctor mentioned that I still had LS and recommended I use the hormone cream topically 2x a day and consider having the Mona Lisa Touch proceedure for the labia pain and not just the vaginal pain. I have not done this yet, I am looking into it and it is expensive. however since I still have the burning and it is so bad that it is keeping me from living my life ( it is hard to sit for any length of time) it would be worth it.  But no guarentees yet, anyone know about its success with LS? 

what is epaderm ointment? are you in the US.   And wow this is the first I have heard of bicarb sitz baths.  I will try it thank you

Hi Joan,

The epaderm is really just a moisturiser that I had for my daughters eczema and my gp advised me to use as barrier over entire area as tended to get irritated. I keep a small pot in my handbag a d apply after visit to bathroom. Definitely helps. And the sitz baths were courtesy of this wonderful forum. Thanks ladies. I'm in Ireland Joan and as far as I can see, the knowledge regarding LS is fairly mediocre... I have a way to go yet to find the right team. Best of luck