Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Series Part 1: Steroids

Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Series Part 1: Steroids

Introduction “You have lichen sclerosus. It’s considered autoimmune. You are at a slightly higher risk for developing vulvar cancer. There is no cure. Apply your steroids daily”. When I was diagnosed with LS, that is all the information and guidance I got from my general physician. “Apply your steroids daily” is vague and unhelpful. “How many times a day”, I wondered, “and where and how should I be applying the medication”?  Many of us aren’t given information about our treatment plan when we are diagnosed. Your treatment plan is one of the most fundamental pieces with respect to managing your symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease, getting into remission, and reducing your chances of developing vulvar cancer.  So where is this information if the doctors do not give it to us? Part One of Ongoing Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Series & Disclaimer Well, I’ve spent the better part of two…
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How to Apply Topical Steroid Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus Correctly

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.…
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