Lichen Sclerosis

Q: Hi, I was wondering if I can get the information on treating Lichen Sclerosus in the vulva. Supposedly it's a condition I'll have to live with the rest of my life but I don't want it to get worse and the only treatment I can get from the medical system is a cortisone cream.

Thanks for what info you can send.

 

A: Hello, I am glad you wrote. I would not accept it is something you will have to live with all your life. My research shows at this point it is a label for a set of symptoms with no known clear causes as far as the MDs are concerned. In this case, as others like it, I hear doctors prescribe some drug and say accept it will always be there and this will only be temporary help. Perhaps the case is different for you. Aside from the label given can you describe what you are experiencing, when and how long? Also did the person who diagnosed it offer a cause and explanation why he or she thinks you will have it for life?

A wonderful nourishing herb for those with skin conditions, especially the "mysterious" ones, is deep digging burdock root. The root tincture is what is used, 1-4 dropperfuls drunk in water a day. Similarly, the roots of Dandelion and Yellow Dock help some women.

If you are postmenopausal, Motherwort tincture, 25 drops in water drunk each morning, can help bring moisture and thickness to the vaginal walls.

Topically, you could try some herb infused oils. Again which herbs are best will be for you to explore. Plantain leaf oil is soothing for most, as is Calendula flower oil. Comfrey root oil is healing to damaged tissues.

Cortisone cream is the common response by doctors to relieve symptoms, which it can do successfully, but does nothing to nourish the health of the tissue. Long term it has its own irritating effects, like thinning tissues.

Comfrey leaves can be prepared as infusions and drunk to support skin health and elasticity. The infusions can also be used topically on the skin, daily as a sitz bath if vaginal or anal tissues are involved. You may wish to try this before the oils. Or if using the oils, do so with breaks in between so air can get to your skin.

The above suggestions take steps not only to help soothe the discomfort, but add to long-term nourishment of the tissues to keep this from returning.

A final thought involves your diet and digestive health. It has been found that some dry itchy heated skin conditions respond well to increased good quality fats in the diet, and for some an increase in water. But the latter without the former may not be enough. There is also speculation that lichen sclerosis is an autoimmune response. Some have found that many autoimmune conditions abate when digestive health is increased. This can be done with the root tinctures mentioned above - burdock, yellow dock or dandelion - and yogurt or other fermented foods to help increase gut flora.

Simply, focus on the skin's overall health and all that supports it, internally, externally, with thoughts, actions, exercise, and fresh air and sun.

I am happy to dialogue with you further on it, please let me know how I can help.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hi Karen,

your reply was warming (and informative), also your prompt response was much appreciated,
thanks.

[response in below, with earlier note in italics]

Hello, I am glad you wrote. I would not accept it is something you will have to live with all your life.
Good to hear.

My research shows at this point it is a label for a set of symptoms with no known clear causes as far as the MDs are concerned. In this case, as others like it, I hear doctors prescribe some drug and say accept it will always be there and this will only be temporary help. Perhaps the case is different for you. Aside from the label given can you describe what you are experiencing, when and how long?
The short version is that for health reasons I was on a serious cleanse (Gerson) which included doing 4-8 enemas a day. I did this for about a year ( I know that many enemas and for so long isn't my best option), unfortunately about 90% of the time fecal water from the enemas would get into my vulva. The specialist say that isn't the cause of my Lichen Sc. but I disagree. About a few months after I started the enemas I started to get some itching in my vulva area. The gyno couldn't see anything so told me to do the basic stuff (cotton undies, mild soap...), about 6 months after that she finally started to see growth so she put me on the steroid, and told me what I most likely have. I saw a different gyno who took a biopsy and confirmed I had Lichen Sc.

It's now about 2 years since the itching first started, once the bacteria builds (on a daily basis) sometimes my skin acts up. My natural skin color was brown since the disease it's now pink (fortunately there is still some brown area where there wasn't an itching problem). About 1/2 and 1/2 coloring, the itching was around the inner lips and the clitoris. My inner lips look smaller than they use to be and every time I see or feel them they are always swollen. The itching is now mild and periodic, before it was severe and often. I change my underwear 2-3 times a day and rince 1-2 times a day, both those actions help keep the itching at bay. I believe sexual friction exasperates the itching (but I'm not sure as I haven't been sexual for a couple of years)

Also did the person who diagnosed it offer a cause and explanation why he or she thinks you will have it for life?
No, the specialist (gyno at the woman's health clinic, the people are very good there but are traditional) basically just said the way to manage the symptoms is to apply the cream often (gave more detailed instructions) until symptoms go away, then for the rest of my life, 2 times a week apply a small pea size quantity, and have a yearly check up. In doing so it will cause the deterioration/damage to stop, and keep my vulva skin functioning well, that has been their experience. Everyone else is saying the cream will cause thinning of the skin and by the time I'm 60 my vulva will look and feel like it's 80 or 90.

A wonderful nourishing herb for those with skin conditions, especially the "mysterious" ones, is deep digging burdock root. The root tincture is what is used, 1-4 dropperfuls drunk in water a day. Similarly, the roots of Dandelion and Yellow Dock help some women.
I might hold off on the burdock root as it seems that when I eat it it upsets my digestive system and my vulva sometimes itches a little for a very short period of time. I have dandelion tincture I will start using that

If you are postmenopausal, Motherwort tincture, 25 drops in water drunk each morning, can help bring moisture and thickness to the vaginal walls.
No not yet, but lack of moisture in my body is one long term complaints-my body is very dry and has been for 15 years. I believe it's due to a digestive problem

Topically, you could try some herb infused oils. Again which herbs are best will be for you to explore. Plantain leaf oil is soothing for most, as is Calendula flower oil. Comfrey root oil is healing to damaged tissues.
I will experiment

Cortisone cream is the common response by doctors to relieve symptoms, which it can do successfully, but does nothing to nourish the health of the tissue. Long term it has its own irritating effects, like thinning tissues.

Comfrey leaves can be prepared as infusions and drunk to support skin health and elasticity. The infusions can also be used topically on the skin, daily as a sitz bath if vaginal or anal tissues are involved. You may wish to try this before the oils. Or if using the oils, do so with breaks in between so air can get to your skin.
Good to know. How about sunlight, will periodically exposing my vulva for short periods of sunlight help. I tried it a few times it felt good, but doesn't mean it is in my best interest. I will be by myself for 5 months in the middle of the woods, with a restriction on my water use, so cleaning well and frequent sitz baths is/will be challenging.

The above suggestions take steps not only to help soothe the discomfort, but add to long-term nourishment of the tissues to keep this from returning.

A final thought involves your diet and digestive health. It has been found that some dry itchy heated skin conditions respond well to increased good quality fats in the diet, and for some an increase in water. But the latter without the former may not be enough. There is also speculation that lichen sclerosis is an autoimmune response. Some have found that many autoimmune conditions abate when digestive health is increased. This can be done with the root tinctures mentioned above - burdock, yellow dock or dandelion - and yogurt or other fermented foods to help increase gut flora.
I am working on my digestive problems. I also have a sluggish liver and I am starting to take some pills that seem to be helping ( I believe they are helping because my body bloating seems to be abating).

Simply, focus on the skin's overall health and all that supports it, internally, externally, with thoughts, actions, exercise, and fresh air and sun.

I am happy to dialogue with you further on it, please let me know how I can help.
Thanks again, and blessings to you.

 

A: You are welcome, write any time....

Yes, with the damage you did to your intestines there must be great damage to your intestinal flora. And if you feel you had digestive problems before this, it likely only got worse. An imbalance can cause overgrowth, as well, I agree with you fecal water in your vagina will cause problem, and daily for a year! Yes, please please do take Dandelion root tincture, 10-20 drops in water with each meal or about 3 times a day. And please please be kind to your digestive system function and allow it a rest. Nourish with probiotics and yogurt if possible. The Dandelion tincture can help with digestion, therefore important absorption, and nourish your liver. What is in the pills you are starting to take? If you wish to share.

I am glad you will experiment with the suggestions. And yes sun sounds good to me, but in small amounts to damaged tissue.

If you will be somewhere where water use is restricted, yet you have not yet found other options for relief, I invite you to consider if this trip is necessary right now. Your health and happiness are treasures. You are a beautiful loved person, please continue to give yourself the same value love and kindness, as I hear you do in your emails to me :)

much love,
Karen Joy

Comments

[Cynthia]

I have been plagued with intense itching and horrible pain in my vulvar area for seven months. I have seen at least ten medical doctors, dermatologists, gynocologists, etc. to no avail. The itching was so horrible that it interrupted my sleep. I finally consulted an accurpunturist who did accupuncture and started me on herbs (cooling). Within one month I am not itch free. I continue to have slight pain, I can tell it's there but it is no longer interfering with my life. At it's worst times I no longer wanted to live. I tried numerous cortisone creams, etc with no relief. I did use lidocaine in olive oil with some relief. I hope for any who have this they are able to try an accupuncturist and also are able to be helped.

[KarenJoy]

Cynthia, thank you so much for sharing. I too hope others read and try what worked for you. Sharing both the benefit of acupuncture for you and the emotional suffering you went though I am sure helps many women who feel they are alone in it.

lots of love to you,
Karen Joy

[Amy]

Thank you for this site! I am self-diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosis.
I'm 40 years old. A friend had it a few years ago and told me a little about it, so when I got symptoms I went online and sure enough, I also have it! Her traditional Dr. (specialist) told her to STOP USING DRYER SHEETS to dry her underwear. I haven't read this anywhere else but IT'S WORKING for me! How many women are suffering from not knowing this? I still have a little bit of white vulvar tissue(only been 3 wks!)I want to apply something topically. Will use your suggestions, thank you and blessings.

[KarenJoy]

Amy, do let us know what you try and how you fare... and thank you for passing on about the dryer sheets!

Karen Joy

[Cia]

I was just dianosised with this yesterday and looking for natural remidies. I was also not sure what dryer sheets are??
Thanks.

[Karen Joy]

Cia, I hope some of these ideas help you then! Dryer sheets are perfumy cloths that are put into clothes dryers to do something to the clothes, I am not sure what :)

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-dryer-sheets.htm

Karen Joy

[Lucy]

hi - my 6yr old daughter has this disease. it is so hard for her & as her mother & a woman it is also hard for me to see her so uncomfortable and in so much pain with what is really 'womens troubles' not 'little girls troubles'. i have just today made an appointment with a medical herbalist as i am sick of using steroid creams on her - it just goes against everything i believe in. so i just pray she can help my poor little girl.

[Karen Joy]

Lucy, this must be SO hard!! All us moms can relate to the torture of watching our children suffer and not knowing exactly what to do to relieve it.

Have you tried, or will you try, any of the above suggestions - especially safe for children are the topical herbal oils, herbal sitz bath and support of digestive and immune health. Burdock is also wonderful. If you prefer not to offer a tincture you can prepare an infusion for her.

best wishes,
Karen Joy

[Carol]

Hi Karen,
I just stumpled across your site when looking for information on probiotics and diet for lichen sclerosis. I was diagnosed after a biopsy several years ago. I have been using the cortizone cream but it doesn't always work. Since this is an autoimmune response and I have other autoimmune diseases, i.e., Hashimoto's thyroiditis, gluten intolerance, casein allery, rosacea, blepharitis, chalazia. I wondered if probiotics would be helpful in strengthening my immune system and controlling the lichen sclerosis? I also read that a low oxalate diet may help, but I am on a gluten free, casein free diet. I don't know how I could also maintain a low oxalate diet since a lot of the foods I eat are considered high oxalate. I tried the dryer towel thing and it didn't make any difference for me. It would have been so nice to be able to have that soluion work. Any other thoughts? Thanks, Carol

[KarenJoy]

Hello Carol, yes, certainly increasing your gut flora health can help! Know that it is not known that lichen sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. This is just one of many theories.

I haven't heard about the low oxalate idea. I tend to favor nourishing, finding what to add to your diet, rather than what to take out. Nourishment is important - so add raw cultured foods, wild fruits, good oils from olives and meats.

I shared many other thoughts above - more specifically of them for you are Burdock root tincture, Comfrey leaf sitz baths, and occasional use of soothing herbal oils topically.

if you try any please do feel free to share with others here what works and what doesn't.

I worry about the use of steroid creams.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

[Laura]

I have been using Neem Oil, which can be purchased from Banyan Botanicals, daily in the shower in addition to Estriol cream 3 times a week. My lichen sclerosis is not bothering me or itching for the most part but does seem to be gradually progressing. Since I was first diagnosed over 6 years ago at the age of 42 my clitoris has completely closed over and my labia on one side is quite a bit smaller. The dermotologist I saw today didn't think the estriol cream would work to control the immune system-activated lichen sclerosis and that I should use a steroid (Clobetasol) as it would probably be more effective. I will look into the suggestions made on this website. As this seems to be autoimmune related I want to find out the most effective way to boost and strengthen my autoimmune system.
It helps to hear what other women are going through with this.

[KarenJoy]

Laura, thank you for sharing. As you try options please do share it with us here. There are many more who read than post here, and as you may know so many women are suffering with this not knowing what it is or why or what to do about it!!

Karen Joy

[Elcoj]

Hi,
Great job. But not enought info. Where can i read more?

Thank you
Elcoj

[KarenJoy]

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/March08/grandmother.htm

[InsaneItching]

It's an auto immune disease and this made me do a lot of research. *** I wonder how many of us drink/intake lots of caffeine.*** Coffee and energy drinks. Stress will cause our immune system to weaken... then add caffeine and it can only get worse. I realize my symptoms first started about 2004... right around the time I started my addiction to energy drinks and coffee. It's a revelation that just hit me at this moment. I'm going to continue to take things to help build back up my immune system and I'm going to stop drinking energy drinks. Please respond! I'm curious as to how many of us with this condition intake caffeine and how much. I drink about 2-3 cups of coffee a day and also will have an energy drink later. Sometimes I go without the energy drink, but coffee has been a daily thing for me.

[KarenJoy]

That is an interesting connection. I will be curious to hear what you find once you work on caring for yourself in this way.

Karen Joy

[InsaneItching]

So far, using the nano green tea and stopping my intake of energy drinks and reducing my coffee drinking it has greatly improved. LS had spread to my anal area and now that's almost disappeared (that part of my body had been affected for the past 6 months. The itching in the vaginal area has calmed down also, but still can get very itchy (this part of my body has been affected for years, so I'm assuming it will take longer). Still, I don't spend nearly the amount of time I used to in the bathroom attempting to "burn" away the itching with hot water.
I have been on the nano green tea (also do a sitz bath with a few drops of nano green tea in the water)for about 1 1/2 weeks. My caffeine reduction only for the past few days. Now, I don't itch nearly as often as I used to. I do see a very slight skin improvement as well. I've tried everything from the over the counter creams to the prescription steroid creams accupuncture, not wearing panties, not washing with perfumed soaps, etc. and none of that gave ANY relief. However this nano green tea and reducing my caffeine has given results. I'll post again in about a week.

[Laura]

I am using a mixture of silver colloidal solution, emu oil, coconut oil and DMSO with some relief. Clobetasol just scares me to be honest and as it has the potential to thin skin just doesn't seem like a good idea. I wish I knew whether or not to use this stuff everyday...reading tonight about neem oil and wondering if that'd be a better choice than emu oil - anyone have any ideas along these lines?

[KarenJoy]

Laura, I still encourage you to use some of the more gentle suggestions offered above in the email correspondence. This is a beautiful sacred area of your body. It deserves love and pampering. It is also a vital powerful part of your body, strong and resilient. It needs support.

InsaneItching, thank you for sharing. I am glad you are finding relief. I can see as we ease up on stimulants how our body can settle down into a deeper state of health.

with love,
Karen Joy

[Casey]

In July 08 I had a D&C after it became clear that my baby had severe genetic problems. About 2 months later I began suffering from excessive discharge and burning that was diagnosed as BV. I took antibiotics and when that didn't work they did a culture that showed strep B and nothing else - no good bacteria. I took antibiotics for that and when that didn't work I switched doctors and was told I probably have lichen sclerosis. Indeed, I have two small white spots that constantly become raw and irritated. I'm currently using a steroid cream with success but I don't want to use this forever. My personal belief is that before the D&C I had a chronic yeast infection and that the procedure and antibiotics disrupted my normal flora further. Now, the constant irritation has harmed my vulva skin causing this condition. That said, I reserve the concern that this is an autoimmune or liver problem. I've suffered from hives for two years and they only decreased in intensity after I quit diet soda last October. With these complex set of symptoms and causes I wonder what the right course of herbal treatment would be right for me. Currently I take a multi-vitamin with vitex and red clover (I want to get pregnant again – I do have normal ovulation though), fish oil, pro-biotics and calcium.

[Casey]

After my post above, I read over some other posts again and the comment about energy drinks and caffeine struck me. I think you could be on to something and I wonder how you are now doing with less of it in your diet. I hope you have had sucess! I'm also curious about nano green tea. With a quick web search I found it and while I am impressed that it contains probiotics, I also see that it has alcohol. Could you comment on that Karen? Is that ok to use in a sitz bath? Another user on a different forum has mentioned that they had success with it as well. Also, I have a question for anyone with Lichen Sclerosis: Do you also perhaps have strep b, yeast, BV, hives or a history of artificial sweetener use? In the past 2 years I’ve contended with them all and while my doctor is not sure if any of these could be related to my current condition, I have a hard time believing they are not.

[KarenJoy]

This may sound too simplistic, but I invite anyone dealing with this to daily, perhaps even twice a day, at least once, put whole milk plain yogurt with live cultures on and in the area and sit in it for at least 5 minutes. Rinse only with water or towel, no soap. Don't use soap on the tissue, only on the outer area where hair is, while bathing. Try for at least a week and see if there is at least some relief.

Antibiotics on top of a naked vaginal ecosystem, sounds painful. It is not surprise you are dealing with this, but really adding quality bacteria may be all, or mostly, what you need.

If you do this please let us know how it goes. I check in at least once a week.

I had not heard of nano green tea so had to look it up. i am suspect of anything that needs to be made in a factory and can not in theory be reproduced in our kitchen.

lots of love,
Karen Joy

[Casey]

Thanks so much for your thoughts Karen! I actually did sort of try what you suggested only I used the yogurt as a suppository. I also used probiotic capsules as in insert and mixed with aloe externally. Along the same lines I used a mix of peroxide and water as a wash (knowing probiotcs produce peroxide). Those are the only things that have helped me and it's actually amazing how quick they all work - literally overnight. The problem is that it keeps coming back worse and worse so I'm confused about what I should do for a long term approach. I don’t think this is typical lichen sclerosis. Although I have a few small white spots, I don’t itch much at all and there is an accompanying thin white discharge. I’m considering a comfrey, oak, mallow or a yarrow sitz but I wonder what if anything I should combine. Internally I’m thinking burdock or usnea since I heard they may be good for strep b. I do appreciate your help!

[InsaneItching]

Bad news first... It's been well over a month without all the caffeine from coffee and energy drinks and itching improved, but then returned.

Now, the good news. I never discussed exactly what the symptoms are for LS with my mother, because she's full Korean and I'm half and did not take full grasp of the Korean language, so it's a little hard to communicate with her, but finally I tried and she gave me some dried leaves to boil and then she told me to let the steam hit the area for as long as possible and when the water wasn't too hot to sit in the water with the leaves and all. It's working amazingly!!! There's no "maybe it's working, sorta feels like it" thoughts... it's actually working! I just started 2 days ago with these herbs, once in the morning and once before bedtime... I do NOT itch the entire day and I have gotten some good sleep without itching while sleeping! I can't say it's curing it, but it's definitely gotten rid of the itching! I have slept sooo well the past couple of nights!

Now a little more bad news. She can't tell me the name of the herb so I will try to take some pictures of it before it's dried and after... maybe one of you can tell what it is.

[KarenJoy]

InsaneItching, this is great. I would LOVE to know what the plant is!

Casey,strep b bacteria are common in women, no worries, no symptoms. I would still put the yogurt topically out near the opening, especially where the white patches. If you do not have itching, is the only problem the patches? Discharge may be a healthy sexual discharge - I do not assume bad unless irritating for sure. Is there still burning?

What is it that gets worse and worse when it comes back?

Internal work need to be done. Do you take yogurt internally? How is your digestion? Also, do you keep washing with soap and water to "clean" it out. I would keep soap far away, only around the hair.

Whatever you are drawn to is a great indication of what can help. Burdock root tincture taken internally is great for digging deep into undetermined skin issues. I can also give live support and digestion support.

Again I am not worried about the strep B so would save Usnea for when more seriously needed, unless you feel a strong draw.

A sitz bath might be nice. If you want to experiment you can choose one of the four herbs and stick with it for a week, and see how you respond, though to me this is too delicate an area to play with in this way. I would be more apt to focus on soothing rather than harsher herbs, such as the Comfrey or Mallow rather than the Yarrow or Oak.

with love,
Karen Joy