lichen sclorosis

[1Barb]

I was diagnosed as having lichen sclerosus in 2000 and have been on creams ever since but for some reason they don't seem to be working very well now. I also have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, am one thyroid meds.
My question is for the lichen sclerosus, who would be the best MD to go to, dermatologist or gynecologist ? I am 62 years old and not looking forward to this in my golden years....
Barb

[jentrude]

i find gynecologist better i felt more comfortable & felt that she had dealt with more lichen sclerosis patients.I am 38 but mine is well controlled on steroid creams which i use a couple of times a week.look forward to your golden years as i have not lost hope! jenna

[Karki]

Hi Barb

I'm 53 with lichen sclorsis and I hate, it, too.  Not what we agreed to, huh?  I wad diagnosed about 8 years ago also, and I, too, have trouble controlling mine  -- but to answer your question, I've seen several doctors, and I find the gyne's are best.  There is such specialized skin there, the LS seems to need estrogen of some type, and the LS can have deforming effects.  I first used Clobetasol with Estrace, but be careful, as the Clobetasol is 1,000 times stronger than a regular steroid, and causes the skin to thin. I felt this made it worse, and burned more. Maybe I used too much -- you're only supposed to use a pea-size glob of it.  My gyne had me mix it (on my finger) with estrace, which helped a lot. The estrace I find soothing, and it actually helps to rebuild the skin.  I think the Clobetasol was just too strong for my delicate skin, and I find better success with Betamethasone mixed with the estrace.  Also, I find the Estring helpful, more helpful than Vagifem.  I've recently had a stroke (due to a heart defect and an unknown blood mutation, both inherited), and stopped all estrogen for a year (yikes, that's miserable...), but now I'm back.  From what I can tell, the Estrace and Estring are not absorbed into the blood strem.  I'm so much happier with the estrogen plus steroid, it's like night and day.  I tried another steroid cream, but it felt like fire -- all the time, so maybe you just have to try different treatments and find what works for YOU best.  Don't give up, and if you find a secret to success, tell us!

In finding the right gyne, I had to visit several -- my third try found an AWESOME doctor, but after four short years with her, she had the nerve to retire and enjoy her life!  Hmph!  I've since been two two others, and have found one that I can relate to and that is knowledgable about LS.  BIG difference from other gyne's.

There's a forum on Yahoo about LS -- and they have a list of doctors that others have said helped them with their LS.  Perhaps you'd want to check there?  

Good luck -- I'm looking forward to your success story.

[Kellieblondel]

im 21 and i find it really hard and the creams dont work, no one else where i live has it so any advice would really help!!