Skin break down with sores and itchy

[Guest Posts]

I seem to get less than 5 weeks into my treatment (Dermovate nightly 4 weeks then every other night) before my skin 'breaks down' purple/red and looks like sores and just as itchy. Should I continue to use Dermovate now or wait for the skin to heal a little?

Is it ok to put Hydromol ointment & Vaseline on broken skin or will that inflame further?

Is there any evidence that coming off HRT patches benefits LS management?

Is there any evidence of the O shot working for LS?

Thank you! Debra

[Dr Rosalind Simpson]

I seem to get less than 5 weeks into my treatment (Dermovate nightly 4 weeks then every other night) before my skin 'breaks down' purple/red and looks like sores and just as itchy. Should I continue to use Dermovate now or wait for the skin to heal a little? This sounds like active LS from your description. Please speak to your doctor and discuss whether this they think you should change treatment to another topical steroid.

Is it ok to put Hydromol ointment & Vaseline on broken skin or will that inflame further? Yes, hydromol and vaseline are very bland products which should not inflame skin further and act as a great barrier to protect the skin.

Is there any evidence that coming off HRT patches benefits LS management? Not to my knowledge. Vaginal oestrogen often helps LS to be better controlled. I don't know that HRT patches and LS have been investigated previously. If the HRT is helping your other menopausal symptoms it would be wise to stay on the patches. Please consider vaginal oestrogen if you are not already on this - you can discuss this with your doctor who can check your suitability for this treatment.

Is there any evidence of the O shot working for LS? The 'O shot' is another name for Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. While PRP shows promise in various other conditions, research on its effectiveness for lichen sclerosus is limited and inconclusive. Studies on PRP for this condition lack quality and consistency in results.