Remission

BSF and talkhealth teamed up to offer an online expert clinic on Lichen Sclerosus. We know that a lot of our members are affected by vulval skin conditions, in fact, we have one of the largest lichen sclerosus communities online!
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Fudge64!
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by Fudge64! on Mon Feb 14, 2022 4:37 pm

Remission

How do you know when it is in remission? When all the white has gone? How do I know what is LS causing symptoms and what is vaginal atrophy ? I find it hard to distinguish . If the skin is still white does that mean daily steroid still needed?

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Dr Jane Sterling
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by Dr Jane Sterling on Thu Feb 17, 2022 2:57 pm

Re: Remission

In some very lucky people, the skin changes of lichen sclerosus can disappear after treatment. This can usually only happen if the lichen sclerosus is mild to start with.
In most people, treatment for lichen sclerosus can quieten down the inflammation that drives the problem and with time, lichen sclerosus can gradually become very quiet and sometimes cause no symptoms and show no signs of inflammation. Usually the whitish change in the skin does not disappear and the increased sensitivity and fragility of the skin will persist, so you still need to continue to treat the skin carefully and protect from friction and irritating contact (such as soaps).
If the skin is still white, but you have no symptoms at all, then it is likely that the steroid may not need to be used every day. If your doctor thinks that there is no inflammation and if you feel very comfortable, then you may be able to gradually reduce the frequency of application to perhaps twice a week, but do continue with twice daily emollient (moisturiser) to give a little extra protection to the skin affected by lichen sclerosus.
Lichen sclerosus does not affect inside in the vagina - it only affects the outside skin and the entrance to the vagina. If you are feeling more uncomfortable internally, it may be more likely to be vaginal atrophy - this can feel dry, itchy or sore. Also thrush can affect any woman from time to time and that can feel itchy, but sometimes just feel sore. It can be helpful to have a swab taken to look for thrush. It can be hard to distinguish exactly where a feeling is coming from in the vulva and vaginal area, but you may be able to focus by gently touching outside and inside and trying to decide if that is where you are feeling the bother.
Dr Jane Sterling
MB, BChir, MA, FRCP, PhD, FHEA

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... erling.php

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