Lichen Sclerosus
Health Benefits

Zinc Oxide for Lichen Sclerosus: Natural Relief Guide

| Modified on Aug 23, 2024
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Zinc Oxide.

Zinc oxide is a natural remedy known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to relieve symptoms of lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin condition that causes itching, pain, and inflammation. Zinc oxide's healing effects make it a beneficial treatment for managing this condition.

How Zinc Oxide Helps with Lichen Sclerosus

Zinc oxide acts as a protective barrier, reducing friction and irritation on the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help to soothe irritated skin, relieve itching, and promote the healing of damaged tissues. Regular use of zinc oxide can alleviate symptoms such as itching, pain, and skin irritation associated with lichen sclerosus.

Topical Application of Zinc Oxide for Lichen Sclerosus Relief

Applying zinc oxide topically is one of the most effective ways to use this remedy for lichen sclerosus. Here are some methods:

  • Zinc Oxide Cream: Use a zinc oxide cream with a high percentage of zinc oxide. Apply a thin layer directly to the affected area and gently massage it into the skin. Repeat this process several times daily for best results.
  • Zinc Oxide and Coconut Oil Blend: Mix zinc oxide powder with coconut oil to create a soothing and moisturizing blend. Apply this mixture to the affected area to relieve itching and inflammation.
  • Barrier Ointment: Use a zinc oxide-based barrier ointment to protect the skin from further irritation and promote healing. Apply the ointment before bed to allow it to work overnight.

Benefits and Tips for Using Zinc Oxide

Benefits: Zinc oxide helps reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and promote the healing of skin affected by lichen sclerosus. It is a natural and gentle option, making it suitable for regular use.

Tips: For the best results, use pure zinc oxide products without added chemicals or fragrances. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using it extensively to ensure there is no allergic reaction. Store zinc oxide products in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.

Additional Reader Tips for Using Zinc Oxide

  1. Combination with Oils: Mixing zinc oxide with coconut or castor oil enhances its soothing properties.
  2. Regular Application: Applying zinc oxide cream regularly, especially after baths, improves symptoms.
  3. Protective Barrier: Using zinc oxide as a barrier cream helps protect sensitive areas from irritation.
  4. Dietary Support: Combining topical zinc oxide treatment with a healthy diet can further aid symptom relief.

Conclusion

Zinc oxide is a popular and effective natural remedy for treating symptoms of lichen sclerosus. Its protective and anti-inflammatory properties provide relief from itching, pain, and skin irritation. Incorporating zinc oxide into your skincare routine can help manage symptoms and promote healing.

Have you tried using zinc oxide 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 zinc oxide for this condition.

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus: Effective Treatments


5 User Reviews


Posted by Linda (Auburn, In) on 04/05/2018
★★★★★

I am a 56 yo female who has suffered from Lichen Sclerosis for nearly 20 years. I've been using Clobetasol prescribed by my gyn. It doesn't help at all. More recently, the itching became so intense that I scratched my "down there" skin so hard that I caused bruising and tearing of the thin skin. I was a complete mess from the view I saw while looking at a mirror. A friend suggested zinc oxide so I bought a tube. Oh my word, what a relief that has done. I highly recommend it for vaginal itching!

Replied by Natalia
(Mn, Usa)
04/08/2018

Glad you found some relief! This condition sounds a bit like the IC I have that makes eating high oxalate foods or detoxing endotoxins at times unbearable. As an RN, Zinc Oxide used commonly for 'toughening' the skin with burns, but it's only a bandaid. While I heal from Mycoplasma (one of the Lyme complex infections), I use a more healing bandaid for symptom tolerance: Oils of Frankincense and Tea Tree in equal parts to 20 parts of raw coconut oil, applied externally.

LS has both fungal and bacterial aspects and both need to be addressed. One option is Borax in coconut oil as a vag suppository for the fungal aspect and D-Mannose (buy the pwdr) to rid the body of excess E. Coli. There are benefits to vag supps of probiotics too. For bacterial vaginosis, douching with ACV or even 25% dilute hydrogen peroxide works. You may want to look at an overall Candida overgrowth and begin a protocol to balance your microbiome or body terrain, do some diet changes, balance minerals and vitas, and do some serious self-care, knowing you deserve to be well. Best to you.

Replied by Becca86047
(Arizona)
08/06/2018

Dear Natalia, it sounds like you really know a lot about this disease! I have learned so much from reading on this site. It helps me a lot as I have just been diagnosed. Could you please give me the specific amounts of what you recommend? After urination, I would like to have something to "cool off" ..

I believe in essential oils and use them often so the one with frankincense and tea tree oil would be beneficial. Please let me know how much of each to use or some kind of recipe would be great!

Thanks so much!


Zinc Oxide
Posted by Marion (Perth, Australia) on 02/01/2017
★★★★★

Zinc Cream for LS

Please try zinc cream and zinc baby powder for lichen sclerosis. It worked for me. I also use borax water for itchy eyes.


Zinc Oxide
Posted by Janet (Anglesey, Uk) on 10/29/2012
★★★★★

After months of suffering and using steroid creams to no effect I used zinc oxide and within 24 hrs the soreness, redness and discomfort had gone. I have only applied the cream 4 times but the affected area seems to be almost back to normal. Miraculous result

Replied by Sydney
(Richmond, Virginia/usa)
11/10/2012

I have had LS for 18 years. I have tried everything my doctor has suggested and had it under control for many years. About 1 1/2 years ago I had a flare up that has persisited. I am burning and itching. I can no longer use the prescription medications. I have tried Perrins products which helped at first but are no longer giving any relief. I am considering other options such as Emuaid and the Zinc Oxide powder or Scar-Zone mentioned above. I have tried Desitin which contains zinc oxide, in the past however, and am wondering if I need to even try to zinc oxide products. Can someone tell me if there is a significant difference? Has anyone tried the Emuaid?

Also, for immediate, calming relief there is a product which is mixed with water and used as a compress. It is available at most drug stores and is similar to the vinegar idea. I have used this for years with flare ups.

Jennifer
(IL)
06/14/2022

I have used Emuaid and it does offer a great amount of relief. I just ordered some more yesterday as well as the bar soap. I just with is wasn't so strong. I feel like people must smell it on me. I think it has turpentine in it. I have had LS for about 8 years, and like most on here, I have tried many things. I just turned 53 and think I am now heading into menopause and I've now been experiencing intense itching that is not leaving me alone at night or in the am. Also, I've noticed some of those sores that people talk about which I never had before. I just went to naturopath nurse and did a pap and will have results this week. She was going to test my hormones as well and I she did a complete thyroid panel as I have Hashimoto as well. I know there is a connection to the 2 I just wish we could figure this out. I know the medical field has the answers, they just want to make money. I really wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy! So painful and stressful sometimes! I've tried Vitamin E, it's ok. I've tried, Boric acid suppositories recently and wondered if that's why my problem seems to have exasperated, perhaps I kicked up some fungus/candida and now need more to rid myself. I know food is definitely a factor, high oxalates and inflammatories. Clobetosol had worked well in the past to stop the attack until hormones or stress or food made it act up again. But recently it burns and does not stop the itching!!! I also have recently done a few castor oil packs and I got this mark on my belly that looks like ringworm, so I'm wondering if I did something with my hormone balance that caused a shakeup and just need to keep doing it to get it right. I do take sitz baths with epsom salt, borax, baking soda, ACV. I am going to try some lavender and frankincense oil w/castor oil to see how that works. I'm hoping if this nurse can help with hormone balance, that will help a lot!! I can't just keep living like this every day! It's so hard to tell people what you're suffering from because it's so personal and in such a private place. I thank God I'm not the only one suffering, because how would we learn if we weren't all here talking about this!! Keep experimenting and sharing ladies!! WE GOT THIS!!! God bless you all!!! Wishing you health and happiness!! And a healthy vagina!!! :)))

Replied by Agnes
(Merritt, Canada)
11/08/2014

I brought some zinc oxide powder. Do I make a paste and put it on the affected area?

Replied by Patty
(Me)
05/02/2017

Hi - I have had LS for 30 years, but until recently I have not had to treat. I use emuaid, in fact I just ordered the moisturizer bar today. It works very well for the itching and burning. I stopped using it to treat with hormone cream my dr prescribed, and this was a big mistake. I cancelled my follow up appt with the dr and started using the emuaid again. Like every one else, I am looking for something to fix me, so I am also trying many things which I have found on this site. Lavender has also worked well, I mix a few drops in with the emuaid. Good luck!


Zinc Oxide
Posted by Leslie (Sydney, Australia) on 12/09/2011
★★★★★

There might be some hope for LS sufferers by using Zinc Oxide powder. I'm a 69 year old male and I first got LS at about age 30. After trying a few other treatments I tried simple ZnO powder. Within about 2 days most of the annoying symptoms were gone, and by 2 weeks it was like I never had LS (apart from a little scarring).. LS reappeared about a year ago and I treated it again with ZnO. Amazing, the clearing up of LS as I got 40 years ago. I don't think that the treatment can be as simple as ZnO, but it has worked miraculously for me both times. The reply of Kim from Effingham above is the first time I have seen mention of ZnO working for anybody else.

Replied by Rachelle
(Kearney, Ne)
08/08/2016

How much Zinc Oxide powder, and how often. Do you apply it or ingest it?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
08/08/2016

Zinc oxide powder is only for external use. You can look for a diaper rash cream with zinc in it for external use.

Replied by Ingrid
(Belgium)
04/06/2017

How are you now? Do you still need the Zinc? Has all the skin returned to normal? Hope you are doing well.


Zinc Oxide
Posted by Kim (Effingham, Il Usa) on 11/22/2011
★★★★★

Hello again on LS... Found something I wanted to share that is working for the elimination of the small white lesions and itching. It is called Scar-Zone. The zinc oxide and antioxidants completely resolve the itching and thinning/white lesions. I hope this helps someone with this dreaded disease. Not sure if it will completely resolve the issue. Please respond and let me know. Thanks.