I quite often get a split in the skin right at the very top of the vulva area in the fold (if you see what I mean). I have been using the steroid cream for a few days, but the split is still there and still hurting. Can't understand why it split because I have been very vigilant in using olive oil every day and massaging it well in all over the whole area and the vagina opening etc. Just wondered if anyone could recommend another type of oil that is more effective than olive oil at keeping that area well moisturised. Also, I am getting the thinning, splitting skin on the end of my middle finger. This happens also happens on a regular basis and gets very sore. Could this be something to do with the lichen sclerosus?
Hi Lodge, Sorry about your condition. I too have LS and use any one of these creams: Emuaid, organic Castor Oil, Aloe Vera, Vaseline, or Coconut Oil. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Is the split finger the same one you use to apply the steroid? Personally, I don't think lubricating the skin prevents LS from occurring, but it can soothe the area. The LS seems to do what it wants to do. The discomfort can be exacerbated if the skin is not well lubricated. Its only foe seems to be steroids which are up to the task to a degree, but in some cases the LS seems to prevail. If you read previous threads on LS you will see that coconut oil is very popular. I have recently gone back to Vit E oil (which I had been using for atrophy). Puncture a capsule and squeeze out the oil. It is very thick and can soothe. There is also a theory LS can be dealt with from the inside out with diet or supplements. Obviously if the cause were known it would be easier to counteract. Wishing you luck. We all need it.
Hi Lodge,
I have had LS a little over 2 years and used to get these splits all the time. I very rarely get them anymore, but when I do, I soak in a warm bath mixed with baking soda. It heals me right up! I also do not use any steroid creams. I have learned to control my LS through diet. If I eat any white bread or sugar I will get a split. It took me a long time to figure out what I can and cannot eat but it was worth the effort because now I don't have to use creams and am sexually active. Hope you find what your LS triggers are...Good luck!
Also, if your finger is splitting it is because the steroid cream is thinning the skin on your finger. You need to wear a glove when you apply the steroid.
Hi Starlight8, Do you find the baking soda works better than borax? How much baking soda do you use in what quantity of water.
Glad you have LS under control.
Thank you.
Thank you, I will look at some of these options.
Thanks for your reply.
I had thought of that, but generally I don't use that finger to apply the cream and I always thoroughly wash the finger immediately after application. Personally I don't think I could apply it with a glove - how do you ensure it is massaged in enough?
Since I was diagnosed in 2011 I have had very long periods of not using the steroid cream at all, but this finger problem has only flared up in the past 10 months or so and I just wondered if it is connected in any way with LS.
That is interesting because I really do need to lose a stone or so.
Will try cutting back on white bread and sugary products to see if it helps.
Please could you give me the details of the Vit E oil you use, as I also have quite severe atrophy and am willing to try anything that might help.
Sadly I haven't been able to have intercourse for the last four years or so because of this horrible disease.
I have a little tub that I use and fill it just enough to cover my lady parts, I add a cup of baking soda to the water and sit for 20 to 30 minutes. I have never tried borax because baking soda has worked really well for me. Good luck!
Thanks Starlight8. I think I will switch to baking soda and give that a try. I bought a sitz bath for the toilet and it works very well. Very comfortable.
Hi susan, I would go slowly. I just put a small amount of baking soda in a spray bottle and found it very drying. Certainly would not start with a full cup in a tub...just in case. We are all different.
Thanks Beverly.
Beverly,
Can you elaborate how you are using it? I use the baking soda mixed thoroughly in water and soak then I rinse it off. Do you leave it on your skin? That may be why you are drying out. Baking soda left on the skin will dry it out, if you make a paste with a little water and baking soda it is great for pimples because it draws the puss out and dries up your pimple. It is amazing how versatile baking soda is :)
Lodge,
I would definitely bring it up to your doctor. When I first got LS I had a patch on my arm that would itch anytime I would flare. Ever since I started doing the Baking Soda soaks I haven't had any problems with that area. I would try to see if the baking soda has an affect on your finger too when you soak.
Let me know how it works for you. I don't have to use any creams anymore. I just have to stick to my diet and do the baking soda soaks. I try to soak at least 2-3 times a week.
Your message got cut off. In my message to susan I said how I used it only once. Very diluted as a spray.
I was wondering how you used it... when I soak in it it dilutes in the water and then after I soak, I make sure to rinse off. I don't leave it on my skin. I have used baking soda to dry out pimples and that involved making a water paste with it and letting it dry out the area. When I dilute it, the baking soda does the opposite. It makes my skin feel very slick, smooth and it heals any splits I may have. It also helped me get rid of yeast infections in the past. It's amazing how versatile baking soda is. I hope you try to soak in it, instead of spray it on, you may have a different reaction when soaking :)
Lodge, it's just a VIT E supplement like you would buy at any store that sells them. I poke it with a sharp knife then squeeze the oil out. You can buy the oil in a bottle that is thinner and more conducive for topical use. Before using hormone cream for atrophy I was using the VIT E capsules as a vaginal suppository. Are you sing hormone cream? It does work.