Hello, I'm 32 and was diagnosed with what they thought was LS last October. He said it could also be as I was breastfeeding, due to my hormones. Well now a year later, I still have it. Soreness, itching, symmetrical thin white patches and red areas. I am so scared of this turning cancerous. I really want to hear other stories (positive ones if possible?)
There is only symptom management. It's really trial and error. Yeast infections often accompany it as well. There is a FB group that is a good one. Their picture is a post it "you're not alone" others are not recommended for various reasons
Tacrolimis for plaques, nystatin powder, Terconozole for yeast. Some people use Clobetasol...i don't use steroids. Husband is a MD and says bad for more than short term.
I wouldn't freak out about cacer but I would call the doctor or get a second opinion as if it is LS you will want to start treating it sooner than later. I have had a diagnosis for 2 year now. I am 35. This site has been a life saver. It is manageable and there are many different things that work for different people but I would look into it further. I demanded being seen by the doctor who did a biopsy and confirmed. I am glad I did as the nurse kept telling me I was too young.
Thanks for mentioning clobetasol as bad for more than short term, WIparadise.
I'm doing well with baking soda baths and rinses, at present more borax baths and rinses. I would suggest you read the discussion "An Experiment with Borax".
Next to that I do dilation. Use coconut oil for moisturization. Try to stay away as much as possible from added sugar and keep my stress levels low.
Hanny I coukdn't find the discussion on Borax you mentioned. How do you use Borax and is it the same as the product available at grocery stores?
It's the same product you'll find in the laundry department at the grocery store.
I use a little over 1/6 cup in every other day bath. For rinses after bathroom visit 3 pinches in a Perin bottle.
I get occasional flare ups as well, however I am faithful in using Clob three times a week. I have the white patches and fusing, however no lesions. It is critical that you keep it under control especially any lesions that would appear. Not keeping it treated and under control could eventually cause vulva cancer. I go every 6 months to my specialist and she said that with no lesions, I probably will never have to worry. Be careful when taking an antibodic. This will flare you. I took Augumentin for 10 days for a throat infection and wow did I break out down there. Severe soreness and redness. My Dr. gave me the one pill and after a week, everyone thing cleared up. I also used the Clob during this period more frequently. I use the Clob 3 times weekly along with Estrace 3 times weekly, alternating with the Clob. I don't use anything on the 7th day.
Think of it like Diabetes, it has to be managed, but can be kept under control and it is possible to feel normal most of the time.. It feels a lot less scary like that.