Question on how long to use steroid during outbreak

Women's health
1

When I have an outbreak of LS, how long should I use the Clobetasol?

2

i think you go back to the original prescription. 2x a day for 2 weeks, then taper off. im new to this tho, so i dont know for sure.

3

It sure IS "always something"!!   Thanks for your reply. 

4

Hi Jackie,  My doctor told me yesterday to use the Clobestol every night for 4 weeks, then every other night for 4 weeks, then twice weekly for 4 weeks.  This should contro the inflamation.  My doc also said it is okay to layer the ointment, meaning put the Clob dow first, then if I wanted to for extra moisturing, to use whatever cream or ointment I prefer.  During the day I would use a moisturizer.  

I've had LS for 10 years or so and did not follow this regimen, so as a result, I'm not in great shape, so I am basically starting over.  I was just using it when I had a flareup or insane itching.  

Good luck.  HOpe you are a better girl than I am.

5

Hi Susan,

Is aquaphor (a barrier cream) sufficient to use as a moisturizer?  That's what I've been using.  Btw, I have insane itch too.  I might go back to the daily clob, but I want to ask my docs first.  What if the itch doesn't go away after you decide to taper down?  I don't think it would be safe to take clob daily forever, right?

Lisa

6

Hi Lisa,  I haven't heard of aquaphor.  I've tried Desitin, Aloe Vera, Emuaid, Vaseline, CBD Oil, Cannabis oil (still trying this), Castor Oil, Witch Hazel.   None of them took away the insane itch.   

I do not think it is safe to use the Clob daily forever, but the initial recommended regimen should get rid of the inflammation/itch for a while.  Have you googled Clobestol?  It's not a good long-term drug, it's a steroid with side effects.  But it is really the only med that doctors recommended for this dreadful skin condition. It probably comes under different names as well.

Good luck!

7

My dr said 2x per day for two weeks then stop. Moisturize daily and then re- evakuate. O ly use during a flare- up, not constantly

8

Hi Susan - I agree you go back to original regime but interested that you say you were advised to put clob on first before moisturisers. My GP said the opposite as you could spread the steroid around too much by applying moisturiser in top of it. I think that it's best just to use steroid on its own overnight and moisturise during the day as applying over top of moisturiser might not penetrate. So confusing. 

9

Hi Sarb,  Yes doc said that the first line of defense should be the Clob, then moisturizer if I wanted to.

To each his own.  I don't consider the Clob to be a moisturizer.

10

I agree wtih sarb on this one.

11

Hi Jackie, it depends on what kind of shape you are in. 

Often when someone is first diagnosed you need to throw everything at it to get things under control.  Many of us usually have the white plaques of skin, itching, cuts etc and so the usual course of treatment would be twice a day for a week, then perhaps once a day for a week, then alternate days, then twice a week and so on.  Everyone is an individual and so you need to tailor the treatment to suit yourself.

For example, a few years ago I can remember waking up with blisters running all the way up the crack of my butt and so I treated it with the clob twice a day for four days because I felt that was an extreme symptom.  Sometimes if I get pain in my clit I put the cream on morning and night for two days and then alls good.  So you really have to make that decision for yourself sometimes because you dont want to apply the cream everyday for weeks when there is no real need for it.

What kind of shape are you in?

12

I just found out my insurance doesn't want to pay for a  new prescription for my Clobestol.  I"m so p****d!!!!!  My doctor's office is fighting it.  They want to give me an inferior product and asked I tried something over the counter.  Are they kidding? 

13

Thanks for getting back to me, Susan.  I see a dermatologist tomorrow and an LS specialist next month.  I want them to stop my itch!  Since I still have itch with clobetasol, maybe they have other suggestions for me....either go back to daily clob for now or try another steroid?  Or some other means to get the clob. like through a pill or injections?

Lisa

14

I can't believe you have an itch with the Clob.  It's usually so effective.  Really sorry to hear that.  Someone on here had suggested Witch Hazel.  Have you tried that?  Maybe ice packs on the itch.

Good luck with the LS specialist.  Sounds like you are doing everything possible and in touch with all the right medical personnel. I'm curious what the dermatologist suggests.

Take care Lisa.

15

Thanks, Susan.  Clobetasol used to work for me until menopause hit.  So now what?  Maybe if I go back to the daily routine of clob?  Who knows.  Ice packs only work temporarily.  I am sensitive to everything topical so I am afraid to try the witch hazel. Thanks so much for your help and support!  Lisa

16

Strange enough Lisa, I have a little twinge and itch even with the Clob now.  I'm just coming out of a nasty episode.  I'm not scratching though hoping the Clob will work again like it used too.  This is so maddening.  

17

Being new to this forum, I sure learned something: there is a whole lot of off topic back & forth that doesn't have anything to do with the question you originally posted!

18

I hope the Clob works for you, Susan.  I know...it is indeed maddening!

Lisa