Hi, I recently have some symptoms on penis, and a GP thinks it might be LS, he will refer me to a urologist to discuss further about my situation. I'll probably have to go through circumcision since my foreskin is a bit tight and my frenulum is very short, and may be prescribed with Clobetasol. I've been doing some searching about LS/BXO, and I would appreciate it very much if anyone with such knowledge could answer some of my questions: 1) Does Clobetasol help reduce or completely remove the white patches on penis glans/foreskin? Or does it only reduce itch/sore and other irritations? 2) How long does Clobetasol usually take to clear the symptoms? And do you have to constantly apply it even if there are no symptoms in order to keep the disease at bay? I'm afraid of over-using it, if it doesn't work within some period of time, I should talk with the doc. So I appreciate it if anyone could give a general time frame to watch out for. 3) What percent Clob do doctors usually prescribe? I've read that it's a super potent steroid and 0.05% to 1% may be ok to use for long period of time if needed? 4) I've read posts regarding LS "Flare up", I'm wondering how often does it happen? And do you have keep using Clob over again...tbh, I don't think I'm comfortable using asteroids for a very long time...I'm not sure though. Thank you!
The best approach is to ACTUALLY know for sure what it is you are dealing with, otherwise you may find out a whole lot about LS and you do not actually have it.
So yes, I have BXO the male version of LS and I would be quite happy to answer any concerns you have once you have a formal diagnosis.
It would be best for you to see a Dermatologist as the only way to confirm what you have is to have a Biopsy which a straight forward procedure which would heal within 3 days.
In terms of the Clobetasol the treatment is internationally recognised as the ‘go-to’ treatment for LS and what it does, when used appropriately is to control the symptoms so that white patches and other distressed skin symptoms are no longer present.
I have used Clobetasol for almost 10 years and I have no concerns regarding the continued use of it.
What would happen, if you actually have LS is that you would find the best ways in which to have a succesful treatment in place, which involves you doing other things, such as the way your wash your genital skin and the ways and frequency to which you apply the Clob.
In simple terms, supposing LS is actually present, over a period of between 5 months to a year and a half, after you find what works best for you, is that you should have progressed to using a ‘maintenance’ application regime that in-effect means you would use the Clob 1 or 2 times per week
As I say, the essential is getting a formal diagnosis - look at major sexual health service providers near to where you live, or if you are in the UK go to the GUM Clinic at the major General Hospital in the region in which you live, that way you are more likely to see either a Dermatologist or Urologist, either while you are there, or be directly referred to one.
The other essential you need to be aware of is that Circumcision DOES NOT provide a cure as LS can still remain present on the Glans and potentially at the top of your shaft of your penis …
@Wee_Dugie
Thank you so much for these information, they are very helpful! I will need to setup an appointment to get a biopsy done asap so we know what to treat my condition with. I was really concerned with how to clearly identify flare-ups and to immediately use Clob to suppress the condition before it does further damage to the skin.
I guess, I may have to discover a cleaning routine to nicely take care of the skin. But I’ll have to wait for my biopsy results and see how it goes from there.
Thank you for the helpful suggestions.
Just to let you know in advance, I may no longer be able to respond to Forum Posts as quickly as I have previously.
As I say, I can give you further advice and guidance once you have a diagnosis - it may simply take me a number of days to get back to you, but at some point I would, certainly.
The other main issue you would need to give careful consideration is the dietary aspects, what to avoid, what is better for you, and the vitamin and mineral supplement specifics that would also greatly help.
if you want to check in advance look up dietary aspects of autoimmune conditions …