Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Menopause (Expert Forum)
Lichen Sclerosus
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy , hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis , sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, May 17, 2006 12:00AM
, May 17, 2006 12:00AM
A. Lichen Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, most often in women and typically on the vulva (the skin outside the vagina). It is relatively uncommon but not rare and is not contageous. There are a number of treatments. Here are some from a website called Current Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus, http://members.tripod.com/~shanmd/remedies.html
It is best to talk with your gynecologist or dermatologist to get treatment.
Medication Type Brand name(s)
Ultrapotent corticosteroids
Clobetasol propionate Temovate (US), Dermovate (UK)
Betamethasone dipropionate Diprolene
Halobetasol propionate Ultravate
Estrogens Estriol Estradiol, Conjugated estrogens Premarin
Estrace
Testosterone
Estradiol, estriol, and conjugated estrogens (in cream form, not orally) are the estrogens most commonly prescribed to treat the effects of Lichen Sclerosis. The differences between these three types of estrogen are outlined here.
Note: Although still prescribed, testosterone doesn't seem to be particularly effective in treating Lichen Sclerosis. Both medical research and our own case histories bear out this fact. However, if testosterone works for you, then by all means keep using it!
Sufferers have had some success with other medications:
• Tacrolimus (Protopic)
• Pimecrolimus (Elidel)
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
• Crotamiton (Eurax)
• Calcipotriene (Dovonex)
• Tretinoin (Retin-A)
Although prescription medication is the most common treatment for Lichen Sclerosis, other treatments include:
• Laser vaporization
• Injections of mid-range potency steroids
• Photochemotherapy
People have tried a number of non-prescription remedies, with varying degrees of success. These alternative remedies include:
• Lienchiaopaitu Pien (Chinese antibiotic containing herbs)
• Aloe vera (gel/pills)
• Flax seed oil
• Beta Glucan (creams/pills)
• Omega vitamins
• Acupuncture
• Gluten- and dairy-free diet
• Low oxalate diet
• Calendula
• Jaffe-Mellor Technique (JMT)
It is best to talk with your gynecologist or dermatologist to get treatment.
Medication Type Brand name(s)
Ultrapotent corticosteroids
Clobetasol propionate Temovate (US), Dermovate (UK)
Betamethasone dipropionate Diprolene
Halobetasol propionate Ultravate
Estrogens Estriol Estradiol, Conjugated estrogens Premarin
Estrace
Testosterone
Estradiol, estriol, and conjugated estrogens (in cream form, not orally) are the estrogens most commonly prescribed to treat the effects of Lichen Sclerosis. The differences between these three types of estrogen are outlined here.
Note: Although still prescribed, testosterone doesn't seem to be particularly effective in treating Lichen Sclerosis. Both medical research and our own case histories bear out this fact. However, if testosterone works for you, then by all means keep using it!
Sufferers have had some success with other medications:
• Tacrolimus (Protopic)
• Pimecrolimus (Elidel)
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
• Crotamiton (Eurax)
• Calcipotriene (Dovonex)
• Tretinoin (Retin-A)
Although prescription medication is the most common treatment for Lichen Sclerosis, other treatments include:
• Laser vaporization
• Injections of mid-range potency steroids
• Photochemotherapy
People have tried a number of non-prescription remedies, with varying degrees of success. These alternative remedies include:
• Lienchiaopaitu Pien (Chinese antibiotic containing herbs)
• Aloe vera (gel/pills)
• Flax seed oil
• Beta Glucan (creams/pills)
• Omega vitamins
• Acupuncture
• Gluten- and dairy-free diet
• Low oxalate diet
• Calendula
• Jaffe-Mellor Technique (JMT)
RSS
Expert Activity
Related Communities
