Lichen Sclerosus
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Multiple Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus

| Modified on Oct 15, 2024
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Based on the below feedback from Earth Clinic readers, here are tips and insights for using multiple remedies to relieve lichen sclerosus:

  1. Dietary Changes: Eliminating sugar, dairy, and gluten helped many users reduce symptoms.
  2. Supplements: Probiotics, vitamin D, vitamin C, and iodine supplements support immune health.
  3. Topical Treatments: Aloe vera with lidocaine, zinc oxide, and boric acid suppositories provide significant relief.
  4. Regular Baths: Baking soda and apple cider vinegar baths soothe and reduce inflammation.
  5. Holistic Approach: Combining topical treatments, supplements, and dietary changes shows the best results.

Have you tried multiple remedies for lichen sclerosus relief? Share your experience and let us know how it worked for you! Keep reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have used these remedies for this condition.

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus: Effective Treatments


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

10 User Reviews


Posted by Pyper (FL) on 04/01/2023
★★★★★

What's helped me with symptoms of painful inflammation (flare ups) to vaginal tissue:

My personal routine:

1) taking estradiol (inside my vagina -insert) 3x week, as well as spreading a small amount around the tissues on the outside of my vagina - this has made a huge difference. On the off days when I don't use the product - I can feel a big difference and I have more symptoms.

2) The ONLY thing I've found for pain relief and itch relief (so far) Is Aloe Vera gel with lidocaine (like the kind you put on for sunburned skin). It soothes and takes away the itch - and it's wonderful.

3) Not sure if It makes a real difference - but I also started drinking 1 T of Apple Cider vinegar (with the Mother) well diluted with 8 oz of water (I mix a one squirt of Sturr sugar free water drops flavoring with it and a little sea salt) I have this every morning. Sometimes I make up another drink like this in the evening.

4) Sitz bath with warm water (1-2x day) with baking soda added (1 Tbsp) If doing this 1x day - I do it in the evening before bed, dry gently, and apply a skin barrier like either A & D ointment, or Desitin and gently rub those in, then add some of the Aloe Vera with lidocaine. IF it's on a day that I'm supposed to use the Estradiol, I skip the skin barrier and gently rub the Estradiol into the vaginal area - then add the aloe vera afterwards.

5) Supplements I'm currently taking:

4 drops of iodine daily mixed in my morning coffee (Lugol's 2% iodine) Daily

Women's over 55 multi-vitamins (daily) by "New Chapter"

Garden of Life women's 40 billion probiotic to promote vaginal health, immune health, digestive balance (daily)

Vitamin C (1600 MG) (Daily)

Vitamin D (3 per day = 30,000 IU) yes, this may seem like a high amount -BUT my Dr. had me on a prescription before of 50,000 - so I'm not worried about using 30,000. each capsule is 10,000 (250 mcg)

Vitamin B12 (shots from Dr. - every month because my body does not absorb B-12 the way it should)

Methyl Folate daily (1,000 mcg) (this is Vit B-9)

"Doctor's Best" High Absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine

"Doctor's Best" Vitamin K2 MK-7 with MenaQ7

5) DIET - I think this is HUGELY important. I keep a detailed daily journal of everything I eat and drink to help identify possible things that might cause a flare up of symptoms. I use a free program called Carbmanager - there is another free program called Cronometer which is very good. Both are free - but you can also get premium, which will give you access to more features if you want. I have been working with an Elimination diet - and then adding foods back in one at a time to see if I get any flare ups.

What I currently eat:

Beef, chicken, liver (1x week only) eggs, - have added back in: Salmon, other fish, shrimp, smoked oysters (canned) fish roe, Mackerel, Bacon, sausage (I mix in my own spices to fresh ground pork)

FRUITS: ONLY berries because they are lowest in natural sugar (blue berries, black berries, raspberries) I only eat fruit occasionally - 1-2x week and not many. I also will occasionally squeeze a lemon and add a little juice to a drink for extra vit. C

VEGETABLES: I haven't added them back in yet. But the plan is to add low oxalate, low carb vegetables like broccolli, cauliflower, celery, garlic - hoping to add back tomatoes - but will keep them to small amounts because tomatoes have a lot of natural sugar - so do onions.

What I no longer eat: Sugar in any form (watch out for "hidden" sugars - food manufacturers like to add in sugar using different names) It's safest to look at the carb counts to find sugar content of foods - even in vegetables & fruits. No processed foods (if a food has multiple ingredients - stay away from it) No gluten, no grains.

FLARE ups from food: Anything with sugar, grains, peanuts, rice, flours, WINE - my most recent flare up came after drinking a glass of dry red wine - within 2 hrs, I had a big flare up of pain, and itching - same thing happened with natural "organic" Peanut Butter.

I'd really like to encourage everyone to keep a Diary to note any foods that do cause them to flare up. It's been very helpful.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Unknown (Ny, Ny) on 05/28/2018
★★★★★

I wanted to share some of the things I have found to greatly improve (don't want to say heal...yet) my LS. I read all these forums looking for things that help so wanted to share what has greatly helped me.

I use boric acid vaginal suppositories. I definitely think there is a candida link here. I had a yeast infection and my doctor prescribed it. You can just get it on amazon though. This is something I do fairly frequently and was a life changer.

Also I've done the O-shot three times. It is pretty expensive, but worth it. Find someone trained regarding LS. The link below lists providers. After the first one, my doctor said I improved by 30%. The third time I got it, there was almost no signs.

The other thing I think is helping is Borax.

Replied by Dorern
(Usa)
11/22/2018

I don't see a link for the providers - can you send it to me please or post it- thanks

Angela
(Boston, MA)
12/26/2022

Hola,

if you google your area, you will find some places.

Replied by Jackie
(Dallas)
02/23/2021

Can I also get a link to o shot providers? Thank you.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Susan (Los Angeles) on 02/03/2016
★★★★★

I first had LS 10 years ago at the beginning of menopause. Someone once mentioned, what is the relation between a child getting this and an adult. All I could think of was I worked in the dirt and garden, which is the same as a kid playing in the dirt also. So I read about Perrins creme, tried that for a while, but found out about two capsules to try from talking to Perrins. For 5 years I have been taking Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin and Red Clover capsule once a day. The skin acted better where the ripping open was almost gone and the itch had practically stopped. But a couple months ago I was still itching overnight, so I read your wonderful posts to figure out what can I add to this. ( Also a year ago I added Ultimate Flora probiotic and I regularly take 6 drops of colloidal silver 500ppm in 2 oz. of water once daily.) So I added a soft gel cap of Essiac Tonic twice a day on an empty stomach. I also have added ozonated olive oil creme once a day applied after my shower. Since Christmas I have NOT itched AT ALL!! That nighttime itch was awful! A month and a half of being itch free I wanted to tell everyone.Now, I am still working on un-fusing the sensitive skin. I will write updates if any changes take place. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck everybody, we will figure this out before any doctor does.

Replied by Lani
(South Africa)
07/02/2016

Hi, that you are in LA, have you heard of Stem Cell Lift by Dr Nathan. I have been googling this treatment and people with LS have had success.

Aloha Granny
(Maui, Hawaii)
08/06/2020

I have an appointment at Coyle Institute with Dr. Coyle. Having the Tulip treatment. Similar to O-s but supposedly better.

Replied by Melissa
(Louisville, TN)
07/10/2021

Is it still working and any changes in the fusing?


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Moira (Long Island, Ny) on 11/04/2013
★★★★☆

Hello, thanks to all of you for the many comments and helpful suggestions re. L.C. I am 60 yrs old and have been diagnosed 3 years ago with L.C.

I read and re-read many of your suggestions and for the last 4 days I have had some relief with the following suggestions: 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar in bath and soak for 15min. It has cut down on itching and I'm less inflammed.

Zinc oxide seems to work on decreasing redness and itching ( applying 2x a day) However is it OK to use continually on vaginal tissue?

Also applying cold water after each time I urinate. Started Essiac tea but too soon to access.Thanks, Moira, N.Y.

Replied by Betty
(North Dakota)
02/06/2015
★★★★☆

I was just recently diagnosed with Lichen Schlerosus. Fortunately, caught it very early because I was itching for a couple of weeks, thought it was a yeast infection and treated it that way but still made an appointment with my OBGYN. He immediately diagnosed it as LS. I was surprised because nothing had changed in my life, not even my soap, but he said it happens often post-menopausal because of a general thinning of the tissues around the vaginal area due to drop in estrogen, etc. (Of course, this doesn't explain those who have it pre-menopause). However, this list has served me greatly because I believe in tackling the symptoms somewhat aggressively early with a little western medicine (the steroid cream) and then figuring out how to holistically stop the cause internally. Based upon this list (thank you very much) I drink red clover tea twice a day (which supplements the immune system and provides a little estrogen to the post-menopausal body), eliminated sugar and dairy (which I had started to do anyway prior to this event), take Black Seed Oil (which supports the immune system and provides a whole host of other amazing benefits, take a probiotic to replenish the good bacteria, take a teaspoon of Carlsson's lemon-flavored Cod Liver Oil (also a host of amazing benefits for women) and eating whole organic foods (no processed foods). I also use organic coconut oil as a regular lubricant in between the steroid treatments and take a daily sitz bath infused with organic apple cider vinegar (with the mother). I have been feeling much better and it's just been the third day. In addition, I got rid of my regular panty liners and got organic chlorine and plastic free cotton ones from the health food store. I believe we are subjecting our bodies to so many chemicals in an unregulated fashion...at some point the body is going to rebel. While the OBGYN said this condition is relatively common, you have to ask yourself why? It makes no sense to me but I'm going to treat the symptoms and my system and have faith it will clear up. At the end of the day, the body tells us we have an issue with what we are doing. If we listen and address both the symptoms and the suspected cause we are only going to benefit ourselves in the long run.

Deanne
(Ontario)
01/14/2021

Have you or anyone else tried comfrey skin cream for Lichen. And I am looking for a good Red clover cream or salve to apply to the vaginal area...any suggestions please. My lichen has now begun under the hood of my clitoris and I am desperately trying to save it from closing over. Thank you to all!

Replied by Carrie
(Ca)
01/22/2016

Itched for months and finally was diagnosed with LS. I used steroid cream to get the itch, sores and bruising down. Now I'm just using zinc oxide diaper cream every few days and have not had to use the steroid cream again. I'm also squatting far forward to urinate straight down without it touching my genitals, as a precaution.

I am going to start using legal CBD oil as I read LS could be autoimmune and CBD is being used in autoimmune issues. Also, after reading here, I'm going to start gluten-free too.

I'm doing well with just the zinc oxide for now, but I really don't want this to get worse as I've already had some fusion and scarring and I'm pre-menaposal (45 years old). I'm with a wonderful supportive guy, so anything I can try, I'm going to give it a whirl! Will check in on CBD and gluten-free process as I experiment.

Replied by Te Ao Marie
(New Zealand)
06/08/2016

I have had this condition for years since I was a young girl - I was also a molested child and went on to become a raped teenager, I have been given every medical treatment under the sun and nothing has worked for me I am in my early fifties now. I have been experimenting with Kawakawa, batheing in it and T-tree oil both have been useful in soothing the area, my itch drives me crazy at night, . I see I need to change my diet, which am going to do right now, thats the sugar, wheat, gluten, dairy. I have only recently started using apple cider vinegar in my bath water, gosh this sight is a dream come true for me... thanks so much for this information.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Dee (Utica, Mi) on 07/23/2011
★★★★☆

I have had symptoms of LS for 2 years now and have finally found a way to keep it under control. The symptoms started after menopause with extreme vaginal dryness. Then the vulvar skin breaking, bruising and vaginal atrophy began. I work for a GYN doctor so I knew what was happening to me. I did try Perrins cream which helped a little in the beginning. I vas very reluctant to use any prescription medication, but after suffering for so long I finally tried a very small dose of Estrace cream vaginally once or twice a week which has helped alot. (I did not want to use Steroids). I also apply pure vitamin E oil (found at Target for $5.00) to the vaginal/rectal area everyday after bathing/soaking. I use only natural soap very gently in that area, no bleach on underwear, avoid any perfumes or strong dryer sheets that irritate, no underwear when at home and only lightly blot when using toilet paper. These things have helped me tremendously. Avoiding sugar and taking high potency probiotics do also help. I hope and pray that a natural cure can be found and that the cause of this awful condition will soon be discovered. I have been doing my own research and taking note of the similarities in women who have this condition. Hope this helps someone.

Replied by Kim
(Effingham, Usa)
08/17/2011

Hello, I too work in the medical field, have you had any success with new insights from MD? Do you visit Pubmed frequently? They have found the tissues to be abnormally deficiet of antioxidants. When I use them (above) it really does decrease the symptoms. Lycine works too.

Mine stopped reacting, skin was pinking up with oral intake of vinegar - the very same reaction with MS and vinegar. MS is an autoimmune disease. Vinegar inhibits a reaction of the autoimmune.

Western medicine has found that some of the medication used for anti rejection for organ donors are working but not resolving it.

Does the Estrace stop the progress of the disease?

For research purposes do you have Estrogen dominance? Thyroid link?

I was hoping Ted would comment, maybe he has something to offer.

Replied by Ana
(Toogoolawah, Queensland Australia)
08/30/2011

I have what my doctor described as 'Extreme LS' this is where I have LOST most of my vulva and all that remains is the opening ( very small) and part of my clit which is not very painful to. The lenght of my vagina has shrunk to just 2 inches from top to end and if I lose the remainder of my clit I will have to have some sort of mobile tubes to incert when I need to pee.

I have tried everything, cremes lotions ACV, oils, you name it I have tried it including Perrins offerings, even used steroid cremes. Nothing worked. Todate there is NO cure and may not be one in my life time (I am 67) but there is some trials been done in Sweden or Denmark where they are trying out natural Progesterone creme. , available only by script in Australia ( big Pharm dictates here, so Aussie and NZ have to buy from USA). You also have to be careful using Progesterone if you are postmem, which I found to my cost, on 2 seperate days after two small dabs I was in agony with miscarriage/labor pains and the need to bare down, this lasted over 1/2 an hour till I had a show of blood. It turns out that I have a medium fibroid in on the back wall of my womb and the Progesserone acted a prelude to esterone which fed the fibroid and caused it to grow and as a postmenopausal woman that made my body think I was pregnant and it had to go. Thats what my last gyno said, but there again she said I had vaginitis when I first visited her for the itch and dryness 2 years ago. My GP has now got me on DermAid 0.5% which is not so harsh and it helps with the itch, I also sit in a baby bath of warm water with 1/4 cup ACV 1/4 cup Bicarb soda, and 1 cup Magneesium Chloride which I buy from food ingredient suppliers and I find this is works as well as anything I have tried so far and all 3 are good for the body anyway. I will try Argan oil in the blend next for the dryness.

Replied by Kim
(Effingham, Illinois)
10/16/2011
★★★★☆

Wanted to let everyone know... I started using Niacinamide and Lycine (mixed it in a small bottle of pure water) spraying it on the LS and then applying Argan oil, my symptoms have decreased by 60%. I also quit drinking coffee and the skin on the backs of my arms and legs cleared up. Not sure if this was an allergy and LS is connected but am not ruling it out.

This is such an awful disease. Hang in there.

Replied by Cindy
(Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, Usa)
11/29/2011

Hi,

My symptoms occured exactly like Dee's. I don't have itching or any white spots. But I do have some atrophy, white thinning skin in the folds, some past bleeding. I'm really upset that my atrophy will never grow back. This will prevent normal, painfree sex.

I was given potent steroids to apply topically everyday for one month, and then down to 2-3 times per week. After six weeks, my skin looks whiter than ever and I think it's gotten worse.

I took myself off the steroids, but needed something else to replace it. I wanted to do an all natural solution, so I searched this website as well as many others. After much research looking for women with my similar symtoms, I decided to try using Red Clover infusion/tea drinks. Everyone has recommended one quart per day. It has many anti-inflamatory properties as well as healing properties. Research has also showed that LS may be helped by megadoses of antioxidants. So, I went to the heath food store and bought the strongest antioxidant powder mix I could find (they work better, absored more than tablets). That's what I take internally.

As for what to use externally in the vulva area, I decided to use Neem cream followed by Organic Coconut oil (comes in a large jar, very soft and melts in your hand). Both have amazing healing properites, and the coconut oil replaces the essential fatty acids that the skin in this area desperately needs. I use coconut oil in place of everything I would have used butter or oil for, for example, use it for cooking eggs, baking, etc. It also can be used on the skin. I put it all over my body after the shower as a moisturizer. It is awesome! My nutritionist raves about it and uses it for everything also. It's a superfood!

I have used these drinks and creams for two days now, and my skin is already pinker! I still have some white skin in the fold area, but I am hopeful! Before this, I had an almost totally white vulva! I have also thrown away all my sweeteners with Aspartame, and will use only Stevia. I suggest everyone cut out the sugar, even honey. Sugar is sugar, and it creates an imflammatory reaction in the body.

It's worth a try, anything is better than steroids! Let me know how it works for you.....

Deanne
(Ontario)
01/14/2021

Can you please post what kind of neem cream please!

Jackie%2520C
(Dallas, TX)
02/04/2022

Hi Cindy, I have been with LS for 2 years now, my symptoms had disappeared during this past year but came back with a vengeance, you said you bought powerful antioxidants, can you share which kind, were they powder form, last night had a sitz bath with ACV for the itching and put some clobetazole or else wouldn't have slept much

Replied by Lynn
(Kansas City, Kansas)
12/17/2011

I, too have heard of the coconut oil and already use it for my omelets and other cooking. I have had LS for 12 years (43 years old now). The labia is fused for the most part on both sides, with pale, thin tissue. The majora has shrunk a little, but is still somewhat pink. In the beginning, I was put on clobetasol, etc. This was not good. My symptoms really didn't get better, and it thinned the tissue more. I had a dermatologist who put me on Metformin crushed in Vaseline that seemed to help a little. She wanted me to take it orally, but my GI sx at the time prevented that. I have started taking Mercola's Krill oil which has all sorts of backing as an anti-flammatory. Hopefully, the combination of making my body not so inflamed inside, and the coconut oil outside will do the trick. I also have Raynaud's. I agree with eliminating nutra sweet, etc. I eat a low-carb diet. I think we now have more auto-immune than ever, and we need to look at the state our bodies are in. I wish everyone the best. Hopefully, there will be a cure someday! Thankfully, my husband is very understanding :)

Replied by Kim
(Effingham, Usa)
02/14/2012

Lynn, read your note with interest. This is an awful disease.. I wonder if like the bee's our immune systems have been crippled by the pesticides... Food for thought. What I found strange.. I didn't have these problems until I moved to a farming area. I formally lived in the Mtns and drank spring water... I did find that Scar reduction cream (zinc oxide) with the tea extract totally knocks all the itch/thining and any progression of fusion of the tissue. Should have figured this before as this is for overreactive skin tissue. It does not cure it but I don't have to apply every day, just 1 x every 2-3 days. It is strange all of us are getting this....

Replied by Julia
(Indianapolis, In)
06/09/2013

I have had LS for 6 years, following severe physical trauma and mental anguish. I am athyroid, a thyroid cancer survivor. Part of my labia is gone, eaten away. The clitoris is covered by fused labia minora. I have been using Clobestiral and hormone cream every other day. I still have outbreaks of red, thin and itchy skin with bleeding. White patches come and go. Now, I am having deep pelvic pain where my ovaries used to be. Had a total hysterectomy for severe endometriosus 30 yrs. ago. I have no orgasmic response, but do get aroused to some extent. I do not eat wheat, drink coffee and avoid sugar. I try to use all natural products. I can't tolerate underwear. I am miserable and the Dr. says "see you in a year."

Replied by Helen
(Usa)
05/01/2015

Julia,

From reading through the entire blog, it seems there is something to coconut oil. I'm going to try it. I'm "frigid" from fear of a bloody show after intercourse, intercourse that is always painful. A certain MD forced me to have a biopsy, it was totally unnecessary, as it turned out. There is another product "Yes" - has anyone tried it or heard of it? Active ingredient is aloe vera. I'll let you know if it works to help the atrophy. I feel so badly that you have suffered so much. Let us know if the coconut oil helps, try a little first near the labia and just see how your skin looks and feels before using more. Blessings, Helen

Replied by Greta
(California)
11/29/2015

Have you tried coffee enemas? They help with autoimmune diseases and LS is autoimmune. Coffe enemas are also pain relieving and anti-inflammatory. I've been doing one or more a day for two weeks and am experiencing positive results, the condition is slowly improving. I also feel that there is a connection with the disease and the gut, hours before I have a bowel movement, the itching increases. I think that if I improve my digestive health and rebuild my gut flora, this may also heal the skin.

Replied by Laura
(New York City)
06/05/2016

It is so awful that we suffer with this. I do find some help with zinc oxide. If it was a testicular problem, answers would be found

Replied by Ingrid
(Belgium)
04/06/2017

Coconut oil works for me. Very natural.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jen (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 04/20/2011
★★★★☆

I am 28 years old female who was diagnosed with LS in Aug 2010. After 2.5 years of continuing Yeast infection and Strep B bacteria since my honeymoon in Caribbean.

I believe after taking many antibiotics and Diflucan, my body collapsed!

I had a blood test and my natural path informed me that I am Lactose intolerant and I have to avoid Dairy and Gluten. I am taking Probiotic and Fish oil (Omega 3) and L-Glutamine (I guess to clean my liver. ) I have not seen any major changes to LS in my vulvar area. Yet, I can feel less gas (stinky gas), diarrhea, bowel movement and no more Yeast and Strep B bacteria.

Treatment:

Yeast: after unsuccessful 2 years of using Antibiotic, I used Boric acid and soaked my body in Baking soda every day for a few weeks which have been very very helpful. Even my husband did it too. I am free of yeast or bacteria now.

LS: I have been using lower dose of Topical cream which was useful at the beginning but not after 3 months. After the flare up and no sexual intercourse for a while because of the pain and itchiness, doctor gave me another higher dosage of cream, I have been using this for 3 weeks now and it is helping a lot. But I don't want to be dependent on this at all. I am young, still have another 50 years to go, can't use the cream for the rest of my life. I don't have any kids yet either.

My research shows that Omega 3 (fish oil), and probiotic are great to use to balance your body and create healthy skin. Healthy diet is another one, have a test or look at your blood group type and see what is better to eat for your body type. I did a cleanse in summer which helped my body to normalize and of course got rid of the yeast.

Also, I have found that Neem oil, Calendula oil, Emu oil are helpful. I have heard from a few professionals about Neem oil and Calendula, but rarely about Emu oil. So I was reluctant to buy Emu oil for my LS. Apparently, some people used Emu oil and it worked but not many professionals know about it.

Yesterday was the first night I used Neem oil and hoping to be helpful.

If anyone has any other suggestions, Please let me know.

Jen


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jill (Dallas, Tx) on 12/27/2010
★★★★☆

Lichen Sclerosus is a condition that I self-diagnosed myself with a few years ago, after much internet research and no help from my doctor. This is still such a mysterious condition, with little concrete medical data out there to refer to, but here are some of my observations and some things that have helped me quite a bit.

First, I believe that it is caused by hormone imbalance and/or auto-immune issues. Most people notice their symptoms begin with hormone shifts. For me, it was at the beginning of peri-menopause, and came along with other, more common symptoms of that. Along those same lines, the symptoms are always worse at the end of my cycle (pre-menstrually) and better towards the beginning of the cycle. Also, I notice my symptoms flare up (and have heard others report the same) when my immune system is run down or strained, especially if I'm fighting a virus (cold, etc... ). Interestingly, as several others here have mentioned, I also have a history of adrenal fatigue/chronic fatigue. So seeking natural hormone balance and a healthy, balanced immune system are, in my opinion, key to going into permanent remission.

Topically, I have found the most success with a cream called Perrin's Cream Complete, found on the Perrin's website (you'll find it if you google it). It immediately relieves discomfort and seems to help quite a bit overall with other symptoms. It is a soothing antioxidant cream that is very healing as well. It was originally developed to help prevent and reverse skin cancer, so for a condition with an increased cancer risk associated with it, this cream is a good one to have on hand. Also evening primrose oil has been helpful topically.

I have tried to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet to help with the auto-immune aspect: no sugar (very inflammatory and noticeably worsens LS), fried foods, junk foods, processed foods/fast foods, margarine or shortening. About a month ago I also eliminated gluten (mostly found in wheat) and either it's a coincidence, or that was truly helpful because it's better now than it's been in years. A whole foods diet that is loaded with vegetables and healthy fats and protein (which includes SATURATED fats: coconut oil, eggs, butter and meat from healthy, pastured cows, etc... ), fish, krill, or cod-liver oil, and low on grains (especially wheat). Try to eat more like your great-grandparents ate and you'll be doing much better than if you follow the USDA food pyramid! The Weston A. Price Foundation has great info on healthy traditional diets and how our modern, western diet and food preparation has damaged our health (westonaprice.org). Learning about food sensitivities/allergies would also be essential for reducing systematic inflammation. If you can't afford allergy testing, try checking your pulse before and after eating suspected foods. If you notice a marked rise in your pulse after eating a particular food, you are probably sensitive if not allergic to it.

Also avoiding chemicals as much as possible in your environment (cleaning products, unfiltered city water), and food (genetically modified and/or pesticide laden foods) is also important. I know there are lots of supplements that help with inflammation: turmeric, fish oil (or krill or cod liver), vitamin D3 (current recommendations are extremely low, so probably around 5, 000 mg. daily, or better yet, get your levels tested and aim for therapeutic levels--check out http://mercola.com for more info on vit. D), and many more.

There are also supplements designed specifically for reducing inflammation. Chinese mushrooms and herbs have been used with incredible success for a variety of inflammatory conditions, so that would sure be worth checking out. Fungi Perfecti has a product line called Host Defense and a product in that line called My Community that looks very intriguing. It's a very reputable company and scores of people with serious immune and/or cancer issues swear by their products. http://iherb.com seems to have the best prices. Searching out anti-inflammatory diet and supplements should provide lots of good ideas. Hopefully there's something of use in all that!

If I discover a magic pill, I will certainly share my discovery, but my guess is that it's really about getting your hormonal and immune systems balanced out, which involves a more holistic approach to diet and lifestyle than what one pill can provide.

Replied by Sherry
(Roanoke, Va)
01/23/2011

I have had LS for 7 years. I was diagnosed during the 7th month of my first pregnancy. I have tried so much of what is listed here. I also began using the Perrin's Cream about six months ago. It is by far the most helpful thing that I have tried. I am having a flare up now (that is driving me MAD), and I have had to use the steriod cream, BUT what I find is that the Perrin's Cream seems to help restore health to the damaged skin (by the disease and the steroid creams). Healthy diet is crucial. I am a health nut... When I have a flare up, it is usually linked to STRESS! Stress reduction and dealing with it well is crucial. I struggle with this! I will say that since using the Perrin's Cream, I have only had one flare up. Use the CREAM, not the ointment! The ointment is TOO strong and will burn! You are not alone. I am sorry that all of you are dealing with this also.

Replied by Kim
(Effingham, Il Usa)
07/01/2011
★★★★★

Jill from TX:

Your advise is EXCELLENT!! I have done my research and agree with all. I am a LS suffering soul. Perrins cream and your diet recommendations do help.

That being said, I would like to add to this forum some things that have helped me considerably with my LS.

I am certain that mine is associated with the endocrine/immune system. I have enlarged lymph nodes under arm when I have a flare up. I also have hypothyroid too.

In the last year I found a product called I-26 or hyperimmune egg. Started taking this and have had GREAT results, symptoms are greatly reduced. I am planning on continuing this until I find something else. I also came up with a remedy for the pain/itching. Take Lysine in powder form and add to Aloe Vera. Within seconds the pain itching will be gone. I apply this usually 1x a day and it lasts until the evening.

I have had this terrible disease for 8 years and found the lysine trick in a herpes tx. I just tried mixing it in aloe vera and it works like a charm.

I am not sure what caused mine, but it started after I had a hyster and dx hypothyroid.

Again, the hyperimmune egg is worth trying. Just mix it in with OJ, drink down.

God bless, hope this helps some other women.

Replied by Diane
(Nashville, Tn)
08/10/2011

Thank you for sharing your remedies. Do you apply the lysine and aloe Vera topically or take it orally?

Replied by Kim
(Effingham, Usa)
08/17/2011

For the LS to stop the intense itching... Take the lysine powder and mix it in the Aloe Vera and apply topically. You may need to start doing it 3x/day until it puts the fire out, then you will only have to do it daily. It worked for me. Best and stay blessed. This is an awful disease.

Replied by Gem
(Melbourne, Australia)
08/20/2011

Finally.. A website that gives me some hope. I have written down EVERYone's suggestions and may have to give up work just to manage this LS!! (I wish). But, thanks all for sharing the tips.. I about to embark on a gluten & dairy (&sugar) free diet, see a naturapath AND try many of the 'remedies' on this page. My wish is to stop the steroid creams.. that stop itching but not the progression.. And keep enjoying sex!!

Replied by Louise
(Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.k.)
07/27/2012

I was diagnosed with LS two years ago. Pure essential lavender oil in the bath has helped me, and also Perrin's cream. Attention to diet, and cutting right back on sugar and yeast products has also helped. I agree that this is a horrible disease, and sometimes I can't believe I have it, but does anyone know how much research is going on to find a cure? What have we all got in common that would trigger this in us?

Replied by Aine
(Monaghan Ireland)
04/15/2016

What is hyperimmune egg?

Replied by Frances
(Cabarlah, Qld.)
04/17/2016

Aine, If a person has an autoimmune illness, this would overstimulate the system to attack the body even more.

“Hyperimmune egg is an egg from a hen that has been vaccinated against certain infectious diseases. The hen develops specific antibodies that rev up the immune system to fight the specific diseases included in the vaccination. These antibodies pass into the hen's eggs. People harvest the eggs and remove the antibodies. These antibodies are then used to treat diseases in people.”

“How does it work? – Antibodies contained in hyperimmune egg are thought to stimulate the immune system and help the body fight disease.” – www.webmd.com

Replied by Sara
(Monterey, Ca)
07/12/2016

I have never used the creams or vagisil and I have lichens sclerosis. I do eat primarily organic foods sourced from local farmers markets along with ranch raised eggs dairy and meat.

I find recent stress has aggravated my lichens, that had been in remission. I will go back to the obgyn for evaluation today.

I will seek more prp treatments and one of the topical treatments on this site. I can't tolerate the steroids. The platelette rich plasma treatment has kept the symptoms at bay for over a year. I will keep my hope and faith that it will push it back into remission. I am afraid I will have to change my work out routine as well. It's a life style thing, I'm afraid.