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.
Emu Oil
Posted by Carolyn (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 11/26/2011
★★★★★
When diagnosed with LS I was prescribed a steroid cream. The cream instructed to discontinue use after 2 weeks which concerned me so I went looking for another solution. The Doctor said it is one of those conditions that the medical field simply doesn't have an answer for... No one knows how you get it or how to cure it and I have found the same on the internet. The Purple emu oil is great. It is an anti-inflamatory and highly moisturizing which deals with 2 of the symptoms. It really keeps the LS symptoms to a minimum. I will also use it on blemishes, dry skin, and I rub some on my nails before bed time which keeps moisturized and nice.
Eliminating Artificial Sweeteners
Posted by Lynn (California) on 07/23/2014
Rita...for scarring: have you ever been offered estrogen cream (estradiol--prescription only in the U.S.) to apply to the scars? I have been reading that many people have seen their scars "break up" with the use of the cream. It doesn't matter what your age..even young children have shown improvement with it's use. It's not enough hormone to be absorbed by the body or change your own hormones. It's just a small amount rubbed into the scarred area. Do a search for Lichen Schlerosus and Estrogen Cream.
Eliminating Artificial Sweeteners
Posted by Elizabeth (New Zealand) on 02/27/2015
★★★★★
I don't know what the relationship is but I have flare ups if I drink sweet soda whether artificially sweetened or not, organic or the usual. I haven't noticed any other strong correlations.
Chemical Link to LS
Posted by Anna (Toogoolawah, Queensland Australia) on 12/05/2010
Asian ladies report that LS is caused through the non washing of new under garments before wearing. I worked in China for 10 years and developed LS whilst there and went to see a doctor (Western man) he had no idea of what it was or how to treat it. I went to a pharmacy and the old gent told me the cause was due to new clothes unwashed first as they were contaminated with all sorts of chemicals. Same applies to chain store(cheap imported clothing) clothing.
I use Neem 100% pure oil after I have soaked in a small bath (baby bath if you can fit lower end in it) in Magnesium Chloride flakes once a week for about 20-30 minutes. 2 table spoons to half a bucket or 5 litres of warm water. Relax and read a book or something. Wont cure it but it brings relief and you wont be using dangerous/harmful drugs.
Vaginal Medication Link to Ls
Posted by Montanamama4b (Billings, Mt) on 05/08/2010
I read on another website that it is common with LS to be extremely sensitive to any creams that have any of the -parabens in them. This can be methylparaben, propylparaben, etc. Since nearly every single cream out there needs the parabens to make it "creamy", be sure to read the labels very carefully.
Take care!
Vaginal Medication Link to Ls
Posted by Barb (Wi) on 02/29/2016
Did you use this topically or internally or drink it? Did it have lasting results?.
1 teaspoon of dissolved ionic mineral salt in 1 ounce of water, followed by 1 liter of purified water daily for 3 weeks and have had no more candida and also, no more flare ups of lichen sclerosis.
Cyclosporine
Posted by Steve (Coastal Southern Oregon ) on 07/24/2023
Anyone Ever Try This?
My primary care doctor wrote me a prescription for 100 mg of Cyclosporine to try and clear up my LS. It's fairly expensive so I haven't gotten it yet. Thought I see if anyone has tried or heard of this treatment.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Susie (Mi) on 12/24/2022
★★★★★
I have suffered from LS for many many years and like all of you tried so many different things somehow, some didn't but what I have found is a definitely boils down to diet when I went to my doctor she said my oxalates were high and she wondered why so she tested my candida it was high and high candida will make high oxalates so needless to say I do a low candida low oxalate diet and I do biocidin!
Within 4 weeks my LS had cleared up by 95%! I was ecstatic it definitely has to do with diet because I know as I fall off my diet and eat the wrong things again that are high and yeast and high in oxalates it comes right back my doctor said I should do it for about 6 months the protocol and I possibly could get rid of it completely for good. Hope this helps you.
Vitamin E and Quercetin Cream
Posted by Lifesawhspr (San Diego CA) on 08/08/2022
★★★★★
Vitamin E and Quercitin Cream for Lichen Sclerosus
After years of steroid use and skin being worse. I recently tried a compound of 3% vitamin E with 1% Quercetin cream and it's worked beautifully. My skin was in such poor shape and painful and has been healing great. I've also used Vaseline with the fissures, but the quercetin has been healing my skin up and helps with inflammation
Dietary Changes
Posted by beverly (Texas) on 03/24/2024
I suspect the reason that Dr Shaun Baker looks like he does is because he is a body builder. Take a look at Neurosurgeon Anthony Chaffee who has been on the carnivore diet for 20 years.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jen (USA ) on 05/25/2020
Carol, I agree with your statement.
I was diagnosed a little over a year ago, and like many women, I've tried a variety of steroids, creams, potions, lotions, and salves etc.. with little to no relief. After having a severe flare 3.5 weeks ago, I was desperate and refused to go back to my 3rd gyno, who was no help at all. I researched and googled in desperation, and found several forums and Pinterest articles, where patients have treated it as a leaky gut/ and fungal overgrowth.
The remedies were all similar so I tried them! • I started to drink 1-2 tablespoons of Organic apple Cider vinegar with the mother every morning with 12 oz of hot water on empty stomach. • Purchased raw organics vaginal probiotic taken by mouth. • cut out sugars, gluten & diary • increased my vitamin D3 to 4000 ius daily as I was low confirmed by my Gp . • took vitamin K2 with D3 as it helps absorb the D3. • bought Nordics omega 3 supplement • raw juiced mid morning • purchased black African body wash • increased my b12 • drank a non dairy probiotic drink everyday • took 1 500 mg dmannose with cranberry daily. Helps with die off effects of fungus/yeast • applied over the counter clortimazole nightly on the white patches and labia • only used a little Cándula salve on labias and clit for moisture. • started taking collegen powder. • started taking plant digestive enzymes • drank lots of clean purified water After 5 days I got the relief I desired. The white patches are all gone, and the atrophy is much better and my tissue all around looks healthy and pink! I had no idea in my case that yeast/fungus was a factor. Who knew? I was even tested for it in the beginning.
It came back negative! I don't trust doctors. I don't think they are knowledgeable at all about this. I'm so thankful for forums like this.
Epsom Salt Baths, Vitamin E
Posted by Anastasia (Or) on 02/11/2018
★★★★★
My LS is superimposed on atrophic vaginitis brought on by menopause. I relate to the intense nerve jangling initiated by any washing/drying of the vulvar area, which has shriveled and appears as if all the blood has drained out.
As a remedy, I have been taking daily, 20-minute sits baths with 2 handfuls of epsom salts. Very soothing and relaxing. Then, carefully pat dry the external area only, so as not to start the nerve reaction, or tear the thin sensitive vulvar skin, or cause bleeding. Then, I follow with Vitamin E oil to lubricate and aid in healing the labia, vulvar skin.
This leaves the area feeling cool and calm...
Hoping for long-term relief and healing!
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Rebecca (Penna) on 09/07/2017
I have been using this also.
I also do the borax and baking soda soaks, which have given amazing results!
Dietary Changes, Essential Oils
Posted by Pam (Wv) on 07/20/2018
I was using bag balm when I didn't really know what I had, saw a blister...anyway, went to gyno and was diagnosed with LS. I also have IBS so that is a constant issue...Dr told me bag balm though wasn't really effective and may have made it worse. I had a complete hysterectomy last year. I do take estrogen because I was severely depressed. I do believe what you eat is a big factor. Before this diagnosis I lost 23 on WeightWatchers. The dr also said that a low estrogen level and rapid weight loss has also been noted as a cause of LS.
Besides all this, I already have had skin cancer, recently they found a freckle in my eye, this year it is raised so I see a retina specialist to rule out ocular cancer..and my Mother had anal-rectal cancer and a colostomy bag..she was in remission for 7 years but passed away in 2014 of liver cancer. My grandmother had Uterine cancer.
I'm no dr but I'm trying to figure out what things are linked together. I have nerve issues as well and my IBS has been going on since I returned from Desert Storm 27 years ago, we believe we were exposed to chemical agents. Now this LS thing is worrying me that I may get cancer in that area...
Emu Oil, Red Clover
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, Nc) on 03/16/2016 86 posts
★★★★☆
The Red Clover ointment (@$25) did not work for me-- maybe it will be ok for me to use in the future. Red Clover 6 pills a day works the best so far. I also dab on very very diluted (1 drop to 8 oz of water) Methylene Blue that was mentioned in Ted's Q&A (but mostly for Lichen Planus I believe)- nonetheless... I haven't had a flare in about a month or so.
LS and Hypothyroidism Connection
Posted by Frances ( Cabarlah, Qld. Australia) on 04/28/2015
Wendy, have you read Dr Brownstein's book re iodine and followed up with the Iodine protocol as mentioned on Earth Clinic; and, whether this has cured the LS?
LS and Hypothyroidism Connection
Posted by Alison (Vancouver, Bc) on 12/16/2015
What group are you on where they talk about using cannabis oil? I'm in Vancouver, Canada and that sort of thing is pretty available, with prescription of course. It's something I'd like to look into so if I can connect with those talking about it, it would be ideal. Thank you.
Frankincense Oil
Posted by Asrana (Rancho Cordova, Ca) on 05/12/2014
Oil of Frankincense, as well as any other essential oil but Oil of Lavender, should NOT be used neat (undiluted) put the drops in a carrier oil and apply topically. Do NOT take it internally!
Frankincense Oil
Posted by Linda (Mariposa, Ca) on 06/04/2014
Was the Frankensence oil applied topically?
Frankincense Oil
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 10/20/2015
Dear Lisa,
Frankincense Essential Oil should be used externally.
I have used one or two drops neat (without diluting) unless the area to treat is a sensitive one, in which case, I would mix it one drop with a bit of castor oil or coconut oil and apply to the area one to three times a day.
~Mama to Many~
Vitamin E, Lavender Oil
Posted by Terri (WI) on 08/24/2021
★★★★★
I have had wonderful success with Vitamin E oil for LS as well! I posted this under “remedies.” I get a burning sensation, so I just apply a drop of the oil to the hot area, and it soothes it almost immediately. I haven't had a flare-up for a couple of weeks, so I'm just applying it after I shower every morning as I'd rather stave it off than deal with a flare-up.
Essiac Tea, Homeopathy
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 02/04/2015
Dear Jerene,
Personally, I would want to find something else to try first. When I look at cures for LS, I see a number of things I would try before Essiac if I was expecting. I am a huge fan of herbs and use them often. Herbal medicine can be quite powerful. So, I would hesitate to use Essiac in pregnancy. In a cursory search, I was not able to find that the ingredients in Essiac, individually, were contraindicated for pregnancy, I would still err on the side of caution with an herbal blend that is able to cure cancer.
That said, if I had cancer and had to pick between Essiac and chemo, I would pick Essiac.
When I look at Earth Clinic's cure page for LS, I see things like Apple Cider Vinegar, baking soda, dietary changes, eliminating artificial sweeteners, etc. I would be more comfortable with trying those things first.
I hope you find a cure soon! And I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy!
~Mama to Many~
Essiac Tea
Posted by Daisy (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) on 11/22/2012
Joni, it is made from different plants. It is an old native american cure and people are claiming it shrinks tumors. Its so gently you can use it on your animals. Chemotheraphy patients are using it along with thier Chemo. It comes in all forms... Powder... Pills... Liquid... I prefer liquid... I have a hard time swallowing pills. I hope it works for others. It is wonderful not being itchy especially at night. I have some scaring on my wrists but all other scars have healed. If this doesn't cure others... than I have received a miracle from God.
Essiac Tea
Posted by Daisy (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) on 11/23/2012
I buy mine from a [local] health food store. It is also sold online by different people who sell it. Usually health food stores have it and it is in the detox section of the store. I live Hawaii where everything is shipped in so, I purchase it for about $25 a bottle. I plan on taking this 3 times a year. Next year, I will buy a bottle in March, July and then in November.
Essiac Tea
Posted by Daisy (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) on 11/25/2012
I would treat it like a detox and only take it a few times a year. A bottle of drops lasts me about 2 weeks. When taking it I feel great... I even get a zing in my step. But I wouldn't take it every day all year long. Just a few times a year to reclean and purify your body and blood. Again, if you do take it and it works or doesn't work let me know. If it doesn't work, than I know it was a miracle I was healed and I will quit telling people about Essaic. If it does work than we can let everyone know it really works. I have yearly appts. Now with my doctor and she doesn't know I am cured. I can't wait for my appt and bring the bottle of Essaic Tonic Tea with me.
Essential Oils
Posted by Melody (Beebe, Ar, Usa) on 07/27/2012
★★★★★
I believe the Lichen Sclerosus is a yeast/fungal infection and can also be a Thyroid problem. My family uses Essential Oil of Thieves, Ocotea, Oregano... To name a few that are antifungal oils and do no harm to the body. Myrrh oil is also GREAT for the Thyroid. Please do not try using oils that are not pure... Know the company you purchase from and make sure they are pure. Fungus disappears when the oils are used.
Essential Oils
Posted by Sylvia (Birkdale Australia) on 11/18/2014
Be very carefull of using treatments for thrush when you have Lichen Sclerosus. Several Drs just gave it to me and then the specialist said that the antifungal treatments I was given were actualy feeding the LS and making it worse. I believed this because when I used these treatments it felt worse. It took me 2 years of going from dr to dr to be diagnosed properly.
Essential Oils
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, Nc) on 01/24/2016 86 posts
LS is an autoimmune issue and not a fungal or yeast issue despite the name (lichen. It just has that appearance when looked at under a scope).
Chemical Link to LS
Posted by Wendy (Canada) on 05/27/2014
I have had LS for 7 years. I always wash my clothing, etc before wearing them.
Vaginal Medication Link to Ls
Posted by Kathy (Brisbane, Australia) on 09/10/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Lichen Scelrosis - theory yet to be proved:
I have a theory that moderate to high use of Vaginal creams for Thrush etc aggravate or possibly even CAUSE LS. The only way to find this out is to get as many women as possible with LS to say whether they have used these creams a lot in the past. I had a history of repeated Thrush and used the creams many times - I notice now that use of these creams aggravate the itchiness and thinness of the area for up to 2 weeks after use. Please post a answer and see if we can 'find' the cause - the Drs have no idea, so....
Vaginal Medication Link to Ls
Posted by Kim (Los Angeles, California) on 01/07/2010
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Vaginal Meds causing LS symptoms
This is in response to Kathy from Brisbane, Australia:
I have had the same theory for 4 years, that moderate to high use of Vaginal creams for thrush, vaginitis etc aggravate or possibly even CAUSE LS. 6 Months after taking precription medication for bacterial vaginitis the thinning, tearing, itchyness around th vulva area began.
Ladies please be aware when taking such meds.
Best of luck.
Vaginal Medication Link to Ls
Posted by Lynn (Madison, Ms) on 11/05/2011
★★★★★
Hi Everyone, I've been looking for anwers in many places regarding LS, I've had this for over 10 years myself and it affects my bottom/anal area mostly and I just got fed up with it all!
#1 I've greatly redued the amount of gluten I take in, amost impossible to go Gluten free, but baby steps...
#2 Whole foods, veggies, meats, fruits... I TRY to stay away from processed foods.
#3 and the most important Take a GOOD probiotic. NSM sells a great probiotic, available online.
#4 DO NOT Use the Steroid cream if you can help it! I use A&D ointment on my bottom after every bathroom visit. I also use an aloe/vitatmin E Infused toilet paper, cottonnelle with Aloe & E and Unscented Baby Wipes with Aloe and E after every BM.
The LS is very manageable, I'll even have sex again, my Hubby is so happy... My Gyno is amazed, he said my bottom looked normal! No Steroid cream for over 4 months... IF I have a flareup he suggested minute amounts of the steroid mixed with the A&D ointment... But so for ok, the ointment takes the "edge off" any itchy burny sensation. I know this doesn't cure the LS, but it greatly reduces the effects. Some holistic MD's say the issue is fungus so I'm on it about the probiotics.. I take a double dose once a day... Stay away from Dairy as well even yogurt w/ probiotics...
Vaginal Medication Link to Ls
Posted by Jillery (North Carolina) on 01/09/2016 86 posts
An ok theory for some, but there are little kids who get LS and people who have never used vaginal meds... But true I think that stuff can precipitate LS in others. Look at all the variations of symptoms too.
Eliminating Dairy
Posted by Kerry (Wenatchee, WA) on 07/23/2009
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis 4 years ago in genital area and my eye lids. What I found that helps the most is to eliminate dairy from my diet. For a year or more, I had to eliminate all mammal products too. So no dairy, pig, cow, lamb, etc. So first, figure out if you have a food sensitivity. Second, DON'T eat foods that bother you. Gas, diarrhea, bloating, constipation. These are all signs that your body can't tolerate what ever you ate. Symptoms can be fairly immediate to 24 hours later.
Third, take a high quality fish oil. For me, 4,ooo mg seem to do the trick. I don't have any vaginal itching and my eyelids don't stick to my eyeballs at night as long as I unless I indulge in cheesecake on my birthday or forget to take the fish oil.
As a side note, as of two years ago, I have adrenal fatigue too. These measures help with that too.
Wheatgrass
Posted by Venda (Redmond, Wa) on 01/19/2012
Biopsy showed lichen sclerosis, sorry I always misspell this. Prescribed ointment thinned out skin so it would easily break, so I stopped. Also when preg wanted natural option. Best natural relief: Burt's bees chapstick, with peppermint is the best. Can be used several times a day without irritation. Shower daily a must. If leaking urine after baby, wipe with wipey as well for extra cleaning. Actually have always been very sexual, and luckily this hasn't affected my drive :)
Wheatgrass
Posted by Patty (Me) on 05/01/2017
Hi - People don't always have all the symptoms at once. What you are describing sure sounds like LS. You said you've seen doctors, have you brought up LS to them? Maybe ask your doctor to referrer you to an OBGYN or a Derm who specializes in LS. My biopsy came back positive, but they don't always, yet you still have it. I wish you luck.
Vitamin E
Posted by Andrea (Asheville, NC) on 03/01/2009
For Lichen Sclerosus, I have found that using a vitamin E capsule like a suppository overnight usually takes care of symptoms overnight. My MD prescribed steriod creams, which also work, but not as well. However, they are more convenient to use during the day. Although steriod creams are not natural, I believe a natural estrogen cream may work the same way. I have read lately that lichen schlerosis is often triggered by a decrease in estrogen in the body, so I'm experimenting with increasing intake of soy products, which contain natural estrogens. My MD also recommended probiotics and turmeric to control symptoms. Apparently, there is no cure available, just good symptom management.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Susan (Tacoma, wa) on 08/08/2024
★★★★★
Lichen Sclerosis
Hi there! I had a very severe case. Unfortunately, doctors are not helpful by not informing us that changing our diet is extremely effective. What we have to avoid are foods that have a medium to high content of oxalate. Unfortunately, I didn't know, and I was having spinach and soy milk often. After changing my diet, I rarely have itching.
Change Fabrics
Posted by San (UK) on 01/24/2024
★★★★☆
I have this condition and have had from some years now. I was prescribed Dermovite cream which is a steroid and although it works to reduce the inflammation I don't take kindly to anything prescribed by GP's, so rarely use it and found other ways to bring some comfort. I use Emuaid Cream, which has proved to be a great success. However, I think it may be certain fabrics that cause this problem because I always buy stretch fabric jeans and there is one particular pair that has more elastane in than others. I find that when I sit in them for a prolonged time, the itching begins. It could also be washing powders or softeners used in your machines. For now I'm going through the fabric experiment!
Change Fabrics
Posted by Sandra (Somerset) on 10/15/2024
★★★★★
I absolutely agree regarding certain stretch fabrics. The more elastane in jeans, the worse things are as I suffer from this condition too!
Vitamin E and Quercetin Cream
Posted by Julie (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ) on 11/10/2022
Could you tell me the name of this cream and where you purchased it?
Essential Oils
Posted by Veronica (PA) on 06/22/2022
★★★★★
Clobet whatever it's called is a horrible steroid medication it would have me burning 🔥 like crazy or itchy like I would scratch so hard it was crazy. But I was so dry and skin on vulva would Crack or I would get tears near the opening or around the clitoris. Every time I peed it was torture.
TRY THIS RECIPE:
Coconut oil (best one they sell in Walmart)
All Organic Essential Oils: Lavender, Frankensence, Rosemary, Tea Tree Oil.
1 TBL SPOON COCO OIL 3 DROPS ESSENTIAL OILS. SO YOU WILL NEED 4 TABLESPOONS SO YOU CAN PUT 3 DROPS OF EACH OIL.
If you have Vitamin E capsules pierce 2 and add that too. Store in Fridge.
Put it on before you go out but wear a pad cuz it's messy. After evening shower put it again. It feels so soothed immediately. You will feel the difference by the next day. So moisturized and wonderful. It's amazing. I promise you. My condition is so bad I no longer have Labia Minora. The skin stretched it away. My vaginal opening is so small and tight and too painful for sex. It's been about 4 years.
TRY IT PLEASE!!! You can also use those same 5 ingredients in your hair/scalp for hair thinning. But you should use MCT/Fractionated coconut oil in hair and Organic Sweet Almond Oil. Use on freshly washed DRY hair. Leave in for 2-3 hours with a plastic cap if you can leave in overnight and then wash gently and condition hair in cold water from middle to ends not scalp. Try to air Dry but if you must blow dry use cold setting.
PLEASE I BEG YOU TO TRY MY DIY REMEDIES. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.
Homeopathy
Posted by Beebs (Scotland) on 02/15/2020
★★★★☆
When I went to my GP with symptoms and white patches I was told I may have thrush .. a swab was taken and sent to the lab. In the meantime I was given a cream to relieve the itch ( Of course it didn't relieve the itch..). Later that week I met with my friend .. and it was my friend who told me I had LS... she had the exact same symptoms but hadn't been diagnosed quickly. I went back to my GP and she confirmed that I did indeed have LS. I was prescribed an emollient to use when showering/washing and a steroid cream.
I used both and the steroid cream did help but I didn't want to be using it on a daily basis. My GP referred me to a homeopathic doctor and I was prescribed a remedy called Acidicum Nitricum (nitric acid ).
I take this remedy daily and also use the emollient on a daily basis .. Since I started using the homeopathic remedy I have only had to use the steroid cream on a handful of occasions. I tend to use Organic Aloe Vera Gel in the first instance. I think the fact that I was diagnosed early ( albeit through my friend ) has helped keep symptoms to a minimum. I was not aware that LS was progressive and have gained knowledge from reading others posts. My friend was mis- diagnosed on several occasions and as a result has many problems associated with LS.
There are many things which can trigger LS flare ups the main factor being stress. Diet can play a big part in alleviating symptoms. Everyone is an individual and if you find something natural that helps you then go for it.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Katrien (The Netherlands) on 04/27/2022
Hoi,
Wat een verhaal, Mijn ayurvedische kunsten. Heeft me verteld. Na 15 jaar LS-problemen, witte westerse kunstmedicatie en gels DR. medication and gels Nu suiker, Geen industrieel voedsel It goes better, but dificult to follow this diet.
Hi,
What a story. My ayurvedic arts. Told me. After 15 years of LS problems, western art meds and gels DR. medication and gels Now sugar, No industrial food. It goes better, but dificult to follow this diet.
Urine Therapy
Posted by Yofi (USA) on 02/01/2020
★★★★☆
A bit of your own urine stops the itching of LS almost immediately but only temporarily. I also agree with others who have reported that staying alkaline helps.
Urine Therapy
Posted by Yofi (USA) on 02/01/2020
I just apply the urine topically when I pee and let it dry naturally if I have the time or pat excess off with toilet paper. A probiotic and/or anti-candida enzymes before bed also help w/ night-time itching. I learned about the urine tx from a traditional healer who did not charge me for the advice. Needless to say, this remedy is free and readily available. It's the most effective thing I've used in many years of dealing with LS.
