Blogs

Sep

Clothing and Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction Lichen sclerosus can impact many aspects of our lives. For example, it can influence our relationship with ourselves, our relationships with others, our mental health, our sexual health, and even our clothing. Yes, lichen sclerosus and clothing can be a big deal for many folks. While it may seem simple, clothing and lichen sclerosus can affect our mental health (in addition to exacerbating symptoms). I will do another blog on the mental health impact of clothing and LS in early 2024; stay tuned. For today's post, I take a more practical approach to clothing and lichen sclerosus by addressing the questions, "What clothing is recommended for lichen sclerosus," "What clothing should I wear in a flare," and "Will I ever be able to wear my old pants again"? *I have no affiliate links in this post. Any brand I mention is either just one I like or one I…

Barrier Cream or Emollient: Which is Better for Lichen Sclerosus

Sep

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

Barrier Cream or Emollient: Which is Better for Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction For today’s video, I discuss the difference between barrier creams, emollients, balms, and salves and which option is best for lichen sclerosus. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. If this video was helpful to you, we’d love your support so we can continue providing important education like this. Make a donation today at https://lssupportnetwork.org/donate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VO13qXjiME Important Links Get FemmeSense balm in Canada or the United States here and save 10% off of your order with code LABIALOVE23 Celina's code for 10% off of the Momotaro Salve with code JOYONJOYONJOY Get my FREE eBook on vulvar lichen sclerosus here Want to work with me (Jaclyn)? I offer 1:1 lichen sclerosus peer support calls. Learn more and book a call here. Sign up for LSSN's FREE virtual support meetups Subscribe to LSSN's newsletter here Subscribe to TLLC's newsletter here Timestamps for Barrier…

LSSN Mini Summit on Vulvovaginal Conditions

Sep

By Kathy

Kathy Blog, Kathy Video

LSSN Mini Summit on Vulvovaginal Conditions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLPT8xf6F7U As we all know, education is foundational to health. If we don’t know about our bodies and vulvovaginal conditions, it’s difficult to take care of them. LSSN exists to empower people with LS through evidence-based information and support. And this year, we’re bringing you even more opportunities to access information and experts in the field. For the first time, LSSN is hosting a mini-summit! The LSSN Mini Summit: Vulvovaginal Conditions is a 3-day virtual event that will provide you with the information and support you need to take control of your vulvar health. It will take place Friday, September 29, through Sunday, October 1, 2023. You'll learn from leading experts about vulvovaginal conditions rarely discussed, including Lichen Sclerosus. Other conditions include: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Persistent Pelvic Nerve Pain Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Lichen Simplex Chronicus Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles. You'll also be able to connect with…

Underwear and Lichen Sclerosus: What Kind is Best

Sep

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Underwear and Lichen Sclerosus: What Kind is Best

Introduction Underwear and lichen sclerosus is a topic we get asked a lot about at Lichen Sclerosus Support Network. Folks have questions like: "What should I look for in underwear," "Are there certain kinds of underwear that aggravate lichen sclerosus symptoms" and "What is the best kind of underwear for lichen sclerosus?" These are lifestyle questions seldom addressed at the doctor's office, so today, we will chat about underwear and lichen sclerosus. In today's post, I will discuss how underwear can sometimes make lichen sclerosus worse, answer the question "What is the best type of underwear for lichen sclerosus," and then review different underwear options for you to explore. *I have no affiliate links in this post. Any brand I mention is either just one I like or one I have heard others recommend. I get no commission if you purchase from any of these links. How Underwear Can *Sometimes*…

Lichen Sclerosus and Hair Removal: Which Method is Best?

Sep

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

Lichen Sclerosus and Hair Removal: Which Method is Best?

Introduction Lichen scleorsus and hair removal is a hot topic in our community. Many folks have questions about if they should remove their hair, and, if so, what are LS-friendly ways to remove hair. We got you covered! In today's video, I share my story of what worked and what didn't work for me. I share some of the better ways to remove hair if you have lichen sclerosus and share some really important caveats about hair removal with LS. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. If this video was helpful to you, we’d love your support so we can continue providing important education like this. Make a donation today at https://lssupportnetwork.org/donate." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wII__nykpT8&t=177s Disclaimer This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan. Important Links from…

Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Versus Adjunct Therapy

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Versus Adjunct Therapy

Introduction We are switching gears a little for today. This post will discuss the difference between treatment and adjunct therapies and what this means for your lichen sclerosus journey. This is an opinion piece. You are welcome to share your thoughts in the comment section at the end. I learn so much from this beautiful community, and you never stop teaching me; I am grateful for that. Defining Treatment, Adjunct Therapy, and Cure First of all, let us define some key terms: Treatment: The definition of treatment is, "Medical treatment means the management and care of a patient to combat condition or disorder" (University of Wisconsin). Treatment can either manage a condition or cure the condition. Primary Treatment: A primary treatment is the main treatment used to manage or cure a condition. It is often the one that has the most scientific evidence behind it and the best success rate. Adjunct Therapy: According…

Sexual Health Resources for Lichen Sclerosus

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

Sexual Health Resources for Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction For today’s video, we are going to chat about sexual health resources for lichen sclerosus. I begin by reviewing what a sex therapist is and how to find and vet a sex therapist. After, I highlight a number of different sexual health resources for lichen sclerosus as not everyone is able to work with a sex therapist. Such resources include educational podcasts, key figures to follow on social media, books and practices, and events and workshops. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. If this video was helpful to you, we’d love your support so we can continue providing important education like this. Make a donation today at https://lssupportnetwork.org/donate. *Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCThBj6-ggo Free Vetting a Potential Sex Therapist…

A Look at Acceptance and Resilience. What Does It Mean?

Aug

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

A Look at Acceptance and Resilience. What Does It Mean?

Listen to the podcast here: Introduction And Excited Announcements Hey, and welcome! I’m so glad you are here to join a round table discussion about the concepts of acceptance and resilience we had live with some members of the LSSN membership. The concepts of acceptance and resilience are critical to living with a condition such as Lichen Sclerosus. In this discussion, I asked our participants a series of questions relating to these concepts and Lichen Sclerosus. If you want to join future discussions? Click the button below. Sign Up What is your definition of acceptance and resilience? What do those words mean to you, specifically concerning your Lichen Sclerosus? Jen: I think of the concept of acceptance as being able to admit that you have a condition/disease without simultaneously giving up/throwing in the towel. Acceptance for me means my Lichen Sclerosus is a part of me, but it is not…

Lichen Planus or Lichen Sclerosus? Can You Have Both?

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Lichen Planus or Lichen Sclerosus? Can You Have Both?

Introduction We have a series of posts looking at lichen sclerosus and other vulvovaginal conditions. For example, we have lichen sclerosus and menopause and lichen sclerosus, and lichen simplex chronicus. We do these posts to promote vulvovaginal education and because some folks have lichen sclerosus and other conditions. Further, many folks find the overlap of symptoms confusing and hard to navigate. In this post, we continue this series and will look at lichen planus and lichen sclerosus. If you are curious about the difference between lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, want to know what to look out for, and wonder if you can have both lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, this post is for you! *This post is evidence-based; I draw on the medical literature to share what you need to know about lichen planus and lichen sclerosus. Importantly, what I share is my interpretation of the science and data. Always…

How Sex Therapy can Help with Lichen Sclerosus

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

How Sex Therapy can Help with Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction For today’s video, I share my journey with lichen sclerosus and sexual health. Specifically, I discuss how my sexual health was impacted by lichen sclerosus. I share what prompted me to find a sexy therapist and how sex therapy can help with lichen sclerosus. This video is very personal and vulnerable. In our next video, we will approach this topic from a more practical lens by sharing how to find a sex therapist. There will also be free and paid sexual health resources discussed in that video as well. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. *Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan. If this video was helpful to you, we’d love your support so we can continue providing important education like this.…