lichen sclerosis

I was origionally dx with lichen sclerosis about 17 years ago.  The past few months, I have had a flare up which has not responded to the rx steroids.  The doctor suggested that I try pro topic ointment.  What can you tell me about the effectivement and safety of this medication for treatmet.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
In my opinion that would be a good choice.  It seems there are usually few side effects, and the relief that is possible would definitely make it worth taking the chance.  Of course, use only as directed and report any adverse effects to you doctor!  Has your doctor considered a biopsy of the area to be certain that lichen sclerosis is the culprit, and you are not dealng with any type of malignancy?  If you were my patient, we'd be discussing an exam and biopsies!
Good luck!
Dr B

[roxy801]

Thank you for your response and congratualtions on your triplets.

I have had biopsies twice over the past 17 years, the last one 6 years ago.  Both biopsies confirmed the dx of lichen sclerois without atipia.

Steroid ointment has never made any real difference in the lichen sclerosis.  With this most recent flare up it did not help at all. My gynocologist referred me to a Dr who specializes in this condition but the first appointment I was able to get is not until the end of February.  That is a long time to go with a flare up.  Last week, I saw a dermatologist for an unrelated condition and mentioned the lichen sclerosis.  The dermatologist said that she has treated several females with this condition and gave me samples of protopic.  She did not feel that another biopsy is needed at this time as she saw nothing suspicious.  I am going back to the dermatologist in three weeks to see how I am responding to protopic.  The dermatologist feels that even when this flare up is under control, I should be seen twice a year to monitor for any suspicious changes.

The first two applications of protopic caused unpleasant side effects but by the third appliction, they went away.  I still am symptomatic but have noticed a decrease in the severity of my sympotms after about four days using the protopic.

Is it possible to start to respond to protopic after four days?