Treatment for Lichen Sclerosis

I have been diagnosed (a biopsy was done) with lichen scherosis and have (or had) moderate to severe itching. My Doctor prescribed Triamcinolone and told me to take it for two weeks which has helped. I have read several different articles on the internet that recommend totally different strategies. Some say you shouldn't use steroid/cortisone ointments for longer than two weeks and some say you should keep taking them over a much longer period of time than two weeks to keep the condition in remission. All my Doctor said was .... if this doesn't work we can try a stonger one ... and that is the sum total of her involvement .... She hasn't explained what the condition actually is or suggested any kind of long term treatment plan. I have done ectensive research on the internet and now know (no thanks to my Doctor) what it is but would like some advice on what ointment to use and how long to use it. One of the articles I read (from the U.K) suggested dermovate for a period ofat least three months. Any help or advice you can give will be apprecitated.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Lichen Sclerosis is a very uncomfortable skin condition of the skin of the vulva (area around the vagina). Like many conditions, it can be less or more severe. Triamcinolone is one steroid that can work. Other stronger steroids are sometimes needed such as clobetasol. The treatment time is a balance between treating the condition and the related pain and making the skin too thin from taking the steroid too long. Warm sitz baths are also helpful. But the length of treatment really depends on the individual.
Try to find a doctor in your area who is familiar with this type of problem. It is often a dermatologist. You can also look into the International Vulvar Society and see if there are members near you. There is also a VP (vulvar pain) Society that has a website. They may have additional information and doctor listings for you.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD