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LS Zine Calling All Warriors
Tell your story your way. Accepting written, video, audio, and art submissions until March 15. Anonymous submissions are welcomed.
Submit your story

What is Lichen Sclerosus?

Lichen Sclerosus is an inflammatory chronic skin condition that mostly affects the anogenital skin. It creates localized inflammation, which changes the texture of the skin. The skin can turn white and appear waxy. The most common symptoms are itching, tears, architectural changes, and pain with sex (dyspareunia). Although there is no current cure for Lichen Sclerosus, it can be managed with proper treatment and care.

Learn more about Lichen Sclerosus
women sitting on a sofa contemplating on what Lichen Sclerosus is

What's Happening at LSSN?

LS Digital Zine

The LS Zine Project is our newest initiative. We want to collect your stories, poems, artwork, and interviews about living with LS. And release them in May 2023 at this year's Holistic Healing Summit so we can raise awareness and let people know they are not alone.

LS has gain visibility over the last few years. As we grow as a community it's important everyone's voices are heard.

All contributions are welcome. Let's talk about all aspects of living with LS, from the everyday routines to the physical, emotional, and intimate dimensions of the condition. We welcome anonymous submissions.

Deadline to submit: March 15, 2023

Apply to be in the Zine
The LSSN Membership is OPEN!

We are pleased to announce the new Lichen Sclerosus Support Network membership!

In partnership with LS Warrior LLC, we will provide our recurring monthly and annual donors various programs to help them overcome the mental and physical effects of Lichen Sclerosus.

Click to learn more about the program
We need your Help

It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to help with research, copywriting, web design, event planning, etc., to bring quality lichen sclerosus education to our LS community.

We can use your help. That's why we're calling for all volunteers.

Click to view our volunteer job board

How to Donate

Sponsor an Event
  • Help our organization provide quality content
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Tax Deductible Donation
  • Make one-time general donation
  • Gain access to our membership with recurring donations
  • Get US tax deductible receipt
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Donate Time or Services
  • Volunteer your time to advance the mission
  • Donate your service or product
  • Make a one-time donation or become a continuous sponsor
Contact Us

Lichen Sclerosus is more common than we think and it's often missed and this is really important.
Jill Krapf, MD

Get the Facts
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Go To FAQ
Get Support
Find support resources.
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Get A Provider
Search our referral based provider directory.
Go to Directory

Lichen Sclerosus Blogs and Videos

New blog post every Tuesday and video every Friday

Unraveling the Mystery of Lichen Sclerosus Treatment with Dr. Jill Krapf
March 17, 2023
Unraveling the Mystery of Lichen Sclerosus Treatment with Dr. Jill Krapf
Want to learn more about the mystery of steroid treatment? Join me as I speak to Dr. Jill Krapf and we debunk steroid myths.
Image of a wood table with the word 'steroids' spelled out with blue, yellow, and green colored alphabet letter magnets.
March 13, 2023
Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Series Part 1: Steroids
Rarely do doctors give us all the information about steroids to treat lichen sclerosus. Click here to learn all about steroids for LS.
Image of Jaclyn in a red One Piece Film Red t-shirt, cat eye makeup, and long brown hair. The title text reads: "lichen sclerosus and sexual health symptoms".
March 10, 2023
Sexual Health Symptoms and Lichen Sclerosus
Curious to learn more about sexual health symptoms and lichen sclerosus? Click here for an evidence-based overview.
How to Apply Topical Steroid Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus Correctly
March 4, 2023
How to Apply Topical Steroid Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus Correctly
Were you given topical steroids as a treatment for your Lichen Sclerosus but not told how to use them properly? No worries we got you covered.

Meet the Executive Board

Lauren Connelly
Lauren Connelly
President
Detail
Kathy Ruiz-Carter
Kathy Ruiz-Carter
Vice-President/Treasurer
Detail
Jaclyn Lanthier
Jaclyn Lanthier
Secretary
Detail

Words from the Community

I was just recently diagnosed last week with LS and here in Canada sadly to say there is not much information on LS so glad I found you...!!! Just this last week I think I handled my flare up if you will call it...I think I have always had this but this time it was severe enough for me to go to the Emergency hospital and was told from an ER Dr what i have just by one look he said those 2 words Lichen Sclerosus so he took a swab to rule out a Yeast infection ( which i knew was not one ) told me to go see a Gynecologist and get a Biopsy swab done and I got the prescription for the Taro-Clobetasol cream....I was so scared when I left the hospital I got home and Googled Lichen Sclerosus and there you were!!!! So I want to Thank you for helping me through this week you are the reason I feel better today and its been 1 week and my Yoo Hoo feels so much better. I am looking forward to tommorrow to learn more and Hey....maybe just maybe help get a cure for this... but first we need to know why this is happening I am glad to be a member with Lichen Sclerosus society... Thank you Kathy
Paulette
Email
Hi everyone! I just wanted to take a few minutes to write an LSSN appreciation post. I joined LS Warriors about a month ago, and it has been nothing short of life changing for me. After so many years of feeling isolated and ashamed about having LS, and often being very secretive about it, it's been so empowering to see a community of women rallying together, sharing stories and wisdom, and supporting each other. I think it has helped me move from a place of grief and paralysis to a place of action and curiosity. As much as having LS sucks, I'm starting to see it as an opportunity to connect with my body and learn about it deeply, in community with you all. So THANK YOU Kathy and the amazing women who curate, participate, and hold space for this group! I so appreciate you.
MV
LSSN Membership
You are gold! Hello! Your podcast is outstanding!! Thank you!! I was just diagnosed this past December 2022. Your topics on your podcast are so helpful and informative. Now I’m headed to your website. God bless you and thank you!!
Elizabeth
Apple Review
The good thing is I found your Website and I've learned so much from Dr Jill and Jaclyn and you. I'm back to using the clobetasol ointment a couple times a week to prevent flare ups. I learned that the LS skin down there is thicker than regular skin. So I feel comfortable using the ointment. It's so nice to feel normal down there again. Well almost..... What a difference. I can sleep all night without waking.. Wish I had good information years ago. Probably would not have fused. But doctors just don't know that much about LS. At least back in 2016. The Website is so informative with the different guests and actual LS sufferers telling their experiences.
Julia
Email
I hesitantly stumbled upon your podcast, through your instagram. I didn’t want to realize that many more people were struggling with the same thing as me. My diagnosing doctor passed away this year and I know I will not be able to replace him. I was referred to him after being treated like I was having multiple partners & chronic yeast infections. I am still searching for a good fit for my disease and appreciate your podcast for what it is. 10/10 would recommend! Thanks for all you do & say!
HCT
Email
I wanted to express my gratitude for all you do and share some additional appreciation because I really do say a huge thank you from my heart, this two meet ups have been so helpful. I look forward to our next meet up.
Carrie
Email
Based on what I have learned from your show, I am convinced I have LS, and am armed with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for myself when I finally do see her. In the meantime, I'm listening to the podcast daily and using some of the tips you've shared to help me deal with the symptoms (mainly the itch!). Thanks to you, I haven't had to suffer for years like you and so many others have. I, and I'm sure so many others, am eternally grateful for your courage and honesty.
JoAnn
Email
I just want to say ths LS support network has done wonders for me, my mental health and coming to terms with my condition.
Mia
Email
Hi Kathy! I just wanted to write a note to you and tell you I was diagnosed with LS yesterday. I’m 27. I was super overwhelmed and felt like my health issues were spinning out of control. I also have celiac disease (diagnosed 9 years ago) and Hashimoto’s (diagnosed 3 months ago). Since watching your videos, I actually felt like everything began to make sense! I have so much more clarity now and a lot less guilt about my issues! And especially thanks to you, I was able to apply the ointment on correctly on my first night!! Thank you so much for the work you do. It is so incredible to feel a network of support right when I need it 💖
Lexie
Instagram
I have listened to MOST of Kathy's podcasts, and they have been a sanity saver!
Cathy
Email

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