Lichen Sclerosus

[jlew106]

I was biopsied for Lichen Sclerosus ( my mother had the condition and suffered for years). I saw a specialist and took 150,000 units of  Vitamin D-3 for almost a year. The leading steroid is Clobetesol, which I loathe to take. My condition has not improved. Having intercourse is impossible--it feels as though a thousand needles are inside my body.
In addition, urinating is painful. Sitting is sometimes painful. I am totally miserable. PLEASE help!
Is LS a form of Vulvadynia?

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hello.

Yes, Lichen Sclerosus is often hereditary. You need to consult with a gynecologist who specializes in pain issues.

LS is not a form of Vulvadynia. Vulvadynia is a chronic discomfort or pain characterized by burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female crotch in cases in which there is no infection or skin disease of the vulva or vagina causing these symptoms. Burning sensations are the most common, but the type and severity of symptoms are highly individualized, and the pain may be constant or intermittent, localized or diffuse.

Your pain is caused by a specific condition--LS.

Ask your specialist to refer you to a gynecologist who specializes in this condition. Best of luck to you. Dr. J

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

P.S. There is a support group for LS, which you might wish to check out:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda,  MD 20892-3675
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
TTY: 301–565–2966
Fax: [phone]
Email: ***@****
Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov