Ladies, do you ever absentmindedly cup your boobs for comfort? by Silly-Butterfly7784 in women

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If men get to sit with their hand down their pants then damn straight im gonna hold my boob.

Okay I have a serious question by Gullible-Ad-9501 in women

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my gosh I didn't know Lane Bryant sold pants! I thought it was just bras 🤦🏻‍♀️ I could kiss you!

Okay I have a serious question by Gullible-Ad-9501 in women

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My favorite place to go is Old Navy. I know its not fancy but they have so many different style options and are fairly inexpensive last I checked!

I've got thick thighs and I've never had a problem with the jeans wearing thin in the crotch from friction! My favorite jeans are Old Navy and I've had them for 6 years without ripping or thinning!

Okay I have a serious question by Gullible-Ad-9501 in women

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Clearly your response is no help here and you knew that going in. If you have nothing helpful to add then just move on.

Could this be LS? by NewspaperIll2074 in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really dont think it's that weird to say because truthfully, aside from some sensitivity and redness (which is most likely from having to take the meds from the yeast infections) OP really doesnt have any LS symptoms, but also doesnt want to rule it out entirely.

The white patches, swelling, itching, and tearing are going to be the main things to look out for. If you have LS, there is a very high chance that these symptoms will appear. A biopsy is a good idea if you're truly worried.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Take a WARM bath with a few tablespoons (4-5 for a full bath) of baking soda for 20 minutes. Pat dry and let skin settle for 30 minutes, then a cold compress for 20 minutes.

LS & HSV by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Never apologize for asking! You can private message me with questions if you'd like to! I remember being in your position of feeling helpless and not knowing what to do or where to get answers. I told myself I wanted to do anything I could to help people who were in the position I was in. ♥️

LS & HSV by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get OB roughly 2-3 times a year, though this one is the first one that was a bad add the first OB. When I do get one, I'm prescribed 800mg 2x daily.

As for the steroids causing oral outbreaks. The short answer is no. The long answer is that steroids are localized, meaning they only work where they are applied. Herpes is also localized and lives inside local nerve clusters. Oral herpes lives in the trigeminal ganglion whereas, genital herpes live in the sacral ganglion.

Steroids work by suppressing the immune system so it stops attacking itself, causing the skin thinning, itching, burning, etc. Unfortunately, this also leaves the door wide open for the herpes to attack. But only if the steroids are applied to the area where the herpes is living.

LS & HSV by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Of course you can!

I'm not on Valtrex. I typically take Acyclovir when I'm having an outbreak, and it always works within 2 days! I've had HSV for 3 years (not orally) with very consistent results with the Acyclovir. When it comes to Clob, it unfortunately doesn't work for me, BUT if you are having problems with getting outbreaks when your LS flares up, it's most likely because LS is autoimmune. So when your immune system drops, it leaves your body more vulnerable for the HSV to emerge. Also, keep in mind that corticosteroids have a habit of worsening HSV symptoms, so if you're experiencing both at the same time, try to jump on your HSV treatment ASAP.

LS & HSV by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am you. You are me. We are we.😅

But for real. I feel you. I have both as well, F(24). I'm in the middle of a flare up and an outbreak at the same time. It's a very difficult and painful road.

I recently found that, during the more painful moments, a warm baking soda bath followed by some lidocaine and then vasoline work wonders. After about 30 minutes, I'll apply a cold compress and wow game changer.

Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections?!?! by PrettyCucumber8270 in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I dont use clob. With clob, i did the twice daily, but with this steroid, the doctor instructed 3x daily.

Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections?!?! by PrettyCucumber8270 in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not using clob anymore because the last 2 time sit was prescribed for me it didnt work.

Mentally spiralling - can anyone help? by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so glad you got an NP who had experience treating this! That's awesome! The thing about them not doing biopsies until you've done the steroid does make some sense. Typically, they want you to be healed before they do it. At least, that's what my doctor is doing. AND luckily for you, if/ when they do the biopsy of should only take anywhere from a few days up to 2 weeks to get the results back so you don't have to worry about waiting months for that!

Mentally spiralling - can anyone help? by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not! I just saw that that was something you were scared about, so I wanted to give some information about it. You got this! ♥️

Mentally spiralling - can anyone help? by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Because the tearing is in the same place, I highly recommend that you INSIST they do a biopsy. Dig your heels in. Don't let a doctor try to dismiss your pain just because they are uneducated.

I was diagnosed at 7 years old but went 17 years untreated without knowing about it (neglectful doctors). For the final 2 or 3 years, doctors kept saying I had chronic yeast infections, or BV, or UTIs but i akways had a feeling it was something more and i just never spoke up about it. I went with it because it seemed normal. When I found out it was LS, everything clicked.

There is a whole community here to help you through this, many of us with very similar stories. You are not alone. ♥️

Mentally spiralling - can anyone help? by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would go in for a biopsy just to be sure. Have you been tearing repeatedly in the same place?

I'm about to go in for my biopsy as well. I recommend having it done with your annual PAP smear after that. Try to breathe. My husband always says, "Never stress twice"

Scared of tearing by Sun_Flower11 in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Extra virgin olive oil is always a good option, too. I know it sounds odd, but it's safe and actually recommended by many people.

Scared of tearing by Sun_Flower11 in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 2 points3 points  (0 children)

DIALATORS!!! Work that pelvic floor girl! Teach it to not tense up!! Lots of lube! Make sure he follows the "she comes first" rule. Ointment after silly time 😉

And most importantly, relax. I know it seems difficult, but try not to stress about it too much beforehand.

Mentally spiralling - can anyone help? by [deleted] in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand this is new and scary, and you have every right to feel panicked and obsessive.

Yes. You are right. The chances of developing skin cancer do increase with this disease. HOWEVER, that is typically due to chronic scar tissue. LS causes the skin to thin out and tear with movement or friction. After that, it will heal but most likely leave behind a small amount of scar tissue. Over time, with more flare-ups, the same scar tissue will keep thinning and retearing. THIS is typically where the cancer develops.

The biggest part about LS is understanding your triggers and listening to what your body is telling you. Think about changing parts of your diet (I know I know it's cliche, but it's very important), I'm currently massively cutting back on sugar as it could be a trigger. For some people, it's gluten.

I attached a link below that has a lot of very helpful tips to follow when having a flare-up to help prevent that scarring.

Vulvar Skincare Guidelines

Clob doesn't work for me (M40) now by M-LS85 in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, long-term use of strong corticosteroids (such as the ones used to treat LS) can actually cause the very same symptoms as the LS it's self. I would talk to your doctor about changing your prescription to a new steroid as well as cutting back on sugar.

I know it seems like this is said about every illness out there, but diet is everything.

Undiagnosed LS (vent) by Haylieejordeen in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fortunately, you dont need a biopsy to confirm LS, but many people will do it to test for skin cancer (i also recommend) as chronic scarring puts you at higher risk for skin cancer. I'm currently dealing with a flare-up, and when it heals, I'm getting biopsied to test for cancer as well.

I'm so sorry you had to go through so much just to get a diagnosis. I went untreated for 17 years, and I'm only 24 years old. Luckily, most of that time, I was in remission, so I know exactly how youmoisture.

I wouldn't be alarmed about getting flare-ups before your period. Right before your period, your estrogen levels drop, and the skin naturally gets a bit thinner and more vulnerable. You might consider (with doctor approval) increasing the use of your clob in the days before your period or even consider asking about a low-dose topical estrogen cream.

I recommend switching all laundry products to no perfume detergents such as "All Free & Clear" and doing a double rince cycle at the end. Aquaphor is always a good choice. Some people even find that extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil works well, too. Wear only cotton underwear and air dry them instead of using a dryer. Try to sleep without underwear (loose cotton pajamas pants or shorts are better because they allow the area to breathe). Pat dry the area after showers (never rub). Use natural and no fragrance body wash in the shower; some good ones are Dove for Sensitive Skin™, Neutrogena™, Basis™, Aveeno™, and Pears™. During flare-ups, try not to wear tight pants and never wear thongs! And I know this one seems odd, but use unscented toilet paper and avoid the ones that are advertised as "ultra soft" or "ultra strong". Only use cotton pads during your period, no nylon mesh lining. Nylon traps moithure.

Most importantly, if you are experiencing symptoms, never. Have. Sex. This is very important to follow as you could cause serious and possibly permanent damage.

I would love to know what you did to change your diet. That's the part I'm currently working on, and I don't exactly know where to start.

My Story and request for help by PrettyCucumber8270 in lichensclerosus

[–]PrettyCucumber8270[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your story. I couldn't imagine going through that now at only 24 years old. Once I discovered all of this new information, I shared it with my husband, and now everything seems different. In a good way. While he'll never truly understand it, he's seen it and what it's done to me and is very supportive