Kathy, Author at Lichen Sclerosus Support Network

Unraveling the Mystery of Lichen Sclerosus Treatment with Dr. Jill Krapf

Mar

Unraveling the Mystery of Lichen Sclerosus Treatment with Dr. Jill Krapf

Join me as I talk to Dr. Jill Krapf, LS specialist; researcher; author; and educator, about all things steroids. What does it do to the skin? Why do we need it? And she answers some frequently heard steroid concerns. If you’re on the fence about or want to learn more about steroids, this is the episode for you. In this video, you will learn: 1. What is the current understanding of the cause of Lichen Sclerosus and what role do external stressors, diet, hormones, and trauma play? 2. How can topical steroids be effectively used to manage Lichen Sclerosus? 3. What are the best strategies for individualized care for Lichen Sclerosus? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtFse-rcRwI Resources: Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Current Perspectives https://www.vulvodynia.com/assets/files/ijwh-191200-vulvar-lichen-sclerosus-current-perspectives.pdf Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Review of Pharmacokinetics and Recommended Dosing Frequencies https://vulvodynia.com/assets/files/Lichen-Sclerosus.pdf Center for Vulvovaginal Disorder http://cvvd.org LSSN Blogs: How to Apply Topical Steroid Treatment…

How to Apply Topical Steroid Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus Correctly

Mar

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

How to Apply Topical Steroid Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus Correctly

If you’ve been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus, there’s a good chance you’ve been given a prescription for a steroid ointment or steroid cream. That’s because high-potency topical corticosteroids are the gold standard treatment for Lichen Sclerosus. Unfortunately, a prescription for topical steroids doesn’t usually doesn’t come with a lot of explanation on what it does or how to use it. This leads to a lot of confusion, a lot of questions, and a lot of misconceptions about the safety and effectiveness of steroids for LS. That’s where my guest, Dr. Jill Krapf, comes in! Dr. Krapf is a researcher and Lichen Sclerosus specialist who works with The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, DC. She’s an invaluable resource for those living with LS and helps them understand the condition and treatment. In this blog, we talk about how topical steroids help treat Lichen Sclerosus and how to use them properly.…

Pain Relief Without Pills: Ashlie Crewe’s Guide to Treating Persistent Pelvic Pain

Mar

By Kathy

Kathy Video

Pain Relief Without Pills: Ashlie Crewe’s Guide to Treating Persistent Pelvic Pain

Do you suffer from persistent pelvic pain and have been told that it is “all in your head”? If so, you are not alone. Ashlie Crewe, a Physical Therapist with a Psychology degree, embarks on a journey to help patients manage their chronic pain using neuroscience, only to find her own trial by fire as she discovers a unique way to challenge a patient's overprotective nervous system. "The beautiful thing, good and bad, is that physical therapists, we're not allowed to prescribe medicine in the United States. So I think one of the cool things about my job then is we're really taught to work with the human body, and we're not allowed to order imaging, we're not allowed to prescribe medications.” Who is Ashlie Crewe? Ashlie Crewe is a Pelvic Health physical therapist and teacher/mentor to Pelvic Health physical therapists across the United States. She has a passion for…

She Reversed Severe Clitoral Adhesions Without Surgery

Feb

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

She Reversed Severe Clitoral Adhesions Without Surgery

In this blog, I’ll share information about clitoral fusing and introduce you to a fantastic woman. This warrior was able to reverse her severe clitoral adhesions without a medical procedure. And she did it within a few months. One of the most common questions I get when people are first diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus is: What will this do to my body? The next question is: Can I do anything about it? Unfortunately, having Lichen Sclerosus (LS) puts you at risk for vulvar changes, including fusing/scarring. But here’s the good news: Surgery isn’t the only option for treatment. Of course, everyone’s LS journey is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. But knowing all of your options can help you decide what’s best for you and give you conservative measures to try before opting for surgery. Let’s learn a little more about clitoral fusing/scarring. What…

The Way To Undo Severe Clitoral Fusing In One Visit Without Going Under The Knife

Feb

By Kathy

Kathy Video

The Way To Undo Severe Clitoral Fusing In One Visit Without Going Under The Knife

In this episode, Dr. Rachel Rubin sheds light on the startling truth that 23% of all women suffer from Clitoral Phimosis, aka fusing. We later discuss how her innovative stretching procedure, non-surgical lysis of clitoral phimosis, has resulted in a 76% decrease in pain and a 64% increase in orgasm rate for these women. In this video, you will learn: Discover why 23% of all women have some degree of clitoral adhesions and what symptoms this can cause. Learn about a new procedure, non-surgical lysis of clitoral phimosis, that can help 76 % of women reduce pain, improve satisfaction with sex, increase sexual arousal, and even help 64% of women achieve orgasm for the first time. Uncover the secrets to treating lichen sclerosus optimally before any procedure, including what hormones and topical treatments can be used. Watch the interview replay on non-surgical lysis of clitoral fusing https://youtu.be/F5KO5LGXRx0 Resources: Read Dr.…

Can Constipation and Urinary Incontinence be Relieved with Pelvic Physical Therapy?

Feb

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

Can Constipation and Urinary Incontinence be Relieved with Pelvic Physical Therapy?

Lichen sclerosus (LS) may be a skin condition, but it affects much more than our skin. Even after you’ve managed LS symptoms like skin plaques and itching, the effects of the condition can show up in other areas of your body. Based on some research I did with LSSN members, people with lichen sclerosus often deal with other issues like constipation, urinary incontinence, fibromyalgia, and TMJ disorder at higher rates. I spoke with Holly Horikawa, a pelvic physical therapist, to learn more about why constipation and urinary incontinence are common among those with LS. If you'd like to see the full interview with Holly, join the LSSN Membership to get access to the replay and more. Why do people with LS have pelvic floor issues? “Skin doesn’t exist separately from the internal organs, from our nervous system, or our vascular system. Everything is connected,” Holly explained. If you have pelvic…

Looking at Lichen Sclerosus Diet Studies for Hope and Guidance

Feb

By Kathy

Kathy Video

Looking at Lichen Sclerosus Diet Studies for Hope and Guidance

Lichen Sclerosus diet studies are few and far between but our guest Erica Eberl went on the hunt so we can discuss what we can learn from the science. Erica Eberl is a 23-year-old dietitian and LS warrior who was diagnosed less than a year ago. She has used her skills and resources to research LS and diet and shares her findings to help others. After Erica Eberl was diagnosed with LS, she did extensive research on Lichen Sclerosus and diet and found three studies that she was able to share. One LS diet study from Italy found that avocado and soybean extract cream and a dietary strategy improved symptoms in women with mild to moderate LS, although it wasn't as effective as corticosteroids. A case-control study from Italy found that increased consumption of carotenoids (precursors to Vitamin A) was associated with less LS. Lastly, a study from Portugal found…

The 4 Important Elements to the Right Lichen Sclerosus Support Group

Jan

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

The 4 Important Elements to the Right Lichen Sclerosus Support Group

No one support group is created for everyone. Finding the right Lichen Sclerosus support group for you can take trial and error. We hope to give you some food for thought before you jump into the next one to ensure it’s the right fit. Do you need a lichen sclerosus support group? We run through many emotions when we’re first diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus. Many people report feeling shock and disbelief that they have an incurable condition. Others feel frustration because they had to wait so long before getting real answers. Some even blame themselves or wonder if they could have prevented this. All of these emotions are valid. We all go through them. But no one should have to go through them alone. For a long time, I struggled unknowingly by myself. The thing about emotional and mental health is that sometimes you may not even know how much…

Is the Autoimmune Protocol the Lichen Sclerosus Natural Treatment for You?

Jan

By Kathy

Kathy Video

Is the Autoimmune Protocol the Lichen Sclerosus Natural Treatment for You?

Have you ever wondered if there was a Lichen Sclerosus natural treatment? Could you actually manage this condition with diet and lifestyle? Angie Alt, a social activist and researcher, takes on the challenge of managing her Lichen Sclerosus for 9 years through the Autoimmune Protocol, an ambitious goal that leads to a journey of self-discovery and healing. In this video, you will learn:1. How Angie Alt transformed the Paleo Diet into the Autoimmune Protocol to manage her Lichen Sclerosus naturally for 9 years.2. What is the Autoimmune Protocol and how can it help those living with Lichen Sclerosus?3. How to navigate the Autoimmune Protocol in a sustainable way with the help of Angie Alt’s program. https://youtu.be/6cKD3IhFOxw Resources:If you want to work with Angie or become an AIP-certified trainer, so you can use this Lichen Sclerosus natural treatment effectively, check out the links below. www.autoimmunewellness.com sadtoaip.com for AIP coaching program www.aipcertified.com Lichen Sclerosus…

4 Brave Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosis Stories. You are NOT Alone.

Jan

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

4 Brave Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosis Stories. You are NOT Alone.

Listen to the podcast here: Getting a Lichen Sclerosus diagnosis can feel like a very lonely experience. Even though your experience is unique, there are aspects of it that run through thousands of people's stories all over the world. It is my honor to share diagnosis stories from a few members of the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN). Sharing these experiences is so important because it helps us know that we are not alone. Lyna's Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosis, United States I was diagnosed about two years ago, but have had LS for five years. I was seeing my gynecologist and my general practitioner for three years, telling them about my symptoms of intense itching, burning, and fissures. Every time I'd come into the office, though, for a checkup, my fissures would be healed and nothing would be visible. They started testing me for STDs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, etc., but…