In January during a routine pap. The doctor took one look at me and asked if I had any issues. She stated I had some healing/scarring. She told me I had some changes and my labia had melted together. At the time I didn't have any idea what our could not recall any problems. But, after researching LS and I am pretty sure I have it. My question is there really any reason to get a biopsy done? If nothing can be done to reverse it. I have changed my diet but must admit I have not used the estrogen cream. It freaks me out. And, has anyone really had luck getting their skin to go back to normal?
Yes if you use the steroid ointment according to Dr Goldstein method it well take done time but it will start to go away I have also changed my diet I don't eat gluten I take wheatgrass everyday and pro biotic, coconut oil, biotin the coconut oil is also good to use to moisturize down there as week as Vaseline I wish you luck
I feel as you do. I have not had a biopsy to confirm LS...but do know that's what I have with all the research I have done. I do have my semi-annual pap test and so far so good. I have had some scarring and atrophy...and one stubborn spot...but my skin is in pretty good shape do to the methods I use. In fact, other that the atrophy and scarring my doctor could not tell visually last time that I went in that there was any problem with the area even though I was having the itch. My feeling is why stir things up unless your doctor notices some abnormality from a pap smear or severe ulcers or tears. I use witch hazel as a spray to keep me healed and aloe vera gel for the itch. I've ocassionally used coconut oil or Cetaphil lotion...and do only wash the area with the Cetaphil cleanser. I have it in my mouth and on my legs as well. My legs are pretty well healed up with the witch hazel spray and then rubbing walnut hull extract on the affected areas...just have one very small area to clear up...but cleared up with this treatment in just a few days.
40 percent zinc baby rash cream worked really good to make sure to rub it in like the steroid ointment
Thank you all for the suggestions and support. It's very overwhelming and seems insane.
Sounds like you have LS - the labia melted together, that's typical. By October 2014 I was totally fused up and today, half a year later, I'm as good as free from any fusion.
Yes, treat the LS and you will be so much better off. I had to undergo a dilation procedure in October, because I could no longer pass urine properly. To give you an idea how bad it had become. But now I'm back to as good as normal.
Of course you have to all the time maintain this condition. It never really goes away. But you can make it liveable. Renee has already given a lot of suggestions. Read and inform yourself to know and understand as much as you can about LS. You will be able to control it much better. There is lots of good info on this site.
... with 'maintain' I of course mean - look after and take good care of this condition.
A biopsy is advisible to confirm that it's LS rather than anything else, and to eliminate anything more sinister, It's worth it for the peace of mind.
I've had this condition for nearly 9 years...was very mild at first and then got worse, but is now fairly well controlled. Right before this started I had an abnormal result...but nothing came of it and had a uterine biopsy done...not pleasant. Every test since has been normal. Every time I have been to the doctor for the condition I've had irritation and itching but nothing has been very visible at those times. It has gotten nasty a few times, but I've learned through trial and error what works best for me. I keep my regular check ups and keep in tune to my body for any changes. But that is me...and not everyone is the same. If your doctor notes what she considers a possible serious event ocurring...and recommends a biopsy...then it is probably wise to do so. My doctor has not recommended one and we just keep a good watch on things.
Oh, and one more thing! I've started doing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day. I've tried it in smoothies...and yuck...it's just better to down it with about 4 to 6 ounces of water and get it over with. I do think this is helping and have read quite a few positive comments from others who have been doing this for LS. Might give it a try.
Anna, you need to see a specialist, either a gynaecologist of a dermatologist or go to a vulva clinci (if you're lucky). A GP in emergency noticed my atrophy but mistook it for ordinary menopausal stuff. Fortunately he sent me to a gynae who has 1000 LS patients. She diagnosed me on sight. No biopsy. It's unusual to need a biopsy to diagnose LS. The symptoms are pretty obvious and unique to LS.
Hi Morell, I'd have to disagree a bit with you about the symptoms being pretty obvious and unique to LS, as so many of us have suffered mis-diagnosis over the years. Also LS can often present with the same symptoms as LP, and its important to distinguish between the two as LP can have vaginal involvement.In my own case, as well as fusing and white patches, I had some continually sore red raw lesions which worried my gynacologist, who strongly advised a biopsy to rule out VIN or early stage cancer of the vulva. While uncomfortable, the biopsy was worth it as it put my mind at rest.