treatment Archives

LSSN End-of-Year Wrap-Up and Hope for the Future

Nov

LSSN End-of-Year Wrap-Up and Hope for the Future

Introduction I can’t believe I’m saying this, but 2023 is moving quickly towards a close. With that, we at LSSN wanted to do a little end-of-year reflection on this past year and offer some hope for the future. We will review some of the key events and milestones from LSSN, as well as exciting LS research that came out and what to look out for from us in 2024. First Up, Some Gratitude First of all, we want to extend a tremendous and heartfelt thank you to our beautiful LS community. We appreciate all that you do to spread the word about us, telling your doctors about LSSN, liking and sharing our content, and donating. Kathy and I have the special honor of knowing many of you through the LSSN’s free bi-weekly virtual meetups. Kathy and I have been at it for a long time, with the first meetup in…

Nov

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

Non-Ablative Laser for Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction In our last video, I discussed ablative laser and addressed the question of whether it was an effective treatment for lichen sclerosus. I noted, in that video, that there are different types of laser, so, for today's video, we are going to look at non-ablative laser for lichen sclerosus and whether they are an effective treatment option for LS. 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. Importantly what I share is my interpretation of the science. 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=noTt0b1imCo Important Links Get my FREE eBook on vulvar lichen sclerosus here Want to…

Laser Therapy for Lichen Sclerosus: Experimental Treatment Series

Oct

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Laser Therapy for Lichen Sclerosus: Experimental Treatment Series

Introduction Experimental treatments show promise in managing a condition but have not been thoroughly evaluated for efficacy, safety, and acceptability. Think of it like a non-approved treatment option; it may or may not work. In the context of lichen sclerosus, when discussing experimental treatment options, I mean interventions, medications, or procedures that have not yet shown to be fully effective as a treatment but show promise in helping with symptom management. In our last post, I discussed platelet-rich plasma as an experimental treatment for lichen sclerosus. Today, we continue the experimental treatment series by looking at laser therapy for lichen sclerosus. We often get questions about laser therapy for lichen sclerosus. For example, folks ask, "Someone on a forum mentioned they got laser therapy for lichen sclerosus; what is laser therapy anyway?" or "Is laser therapy an effective treatment for lichen sclerosus?". Another question I hear is, "Why has my…

10 Tips for Managing Itch with Lichen Sclerosus

Oct

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

10 Tips for Managing Itch with Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction Not everyone has itch as a symptom of lichen sclerosus. However, if it is a symptom of yours, you know how absolutely miserable this can be. For today’s video, I share 10 tips for managing itch with lichen sclerosus. Let us know in the comments what your favorite tips are. To be transparent, this post is not evidence-based. Instead, the tips I share are either tips that work for me or tips I have heard from others. 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=O1MPYMTGg6g Important Links 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…

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…

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…

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Those with Lichen Sclerosus

Aug

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Those with Lichen Sclerosus

The muscles at the base of your pelvic floor are like any other muscle in your body. They can weaken, hold tension and affect how your body works. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help those with Lichen Sclerosus keep their pelvic floor muscles healthy. That’s where experts like Ashley Stump, PFPT, come in. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, she helps people with various problems, including painful sex, urinary and bowel issues, pelvic pain, and pain from LS. I spoke with Ashley to learn more about what she does as pelvic floor PT and how it benefits those with LS. How does Lichen Sclerosus affect your pelvic floor muscles? If you have LS, you already know the condition affects various parts of your life. It also involves multiple parts of your body, including your pelvic floor. Just like people can hold tension in their neck muscles, they can also have…

What’s the Deal with Hormones and Lichen Sclerosus?

Jul

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

What’s the Deal with Hormones and Lichen Sclerosus?

Introduction For today’s video, I am joined by the brilliant Dr. Corey Babb to answer some of your on-demand questions about lichen sclerosus and hormones. We talk about whether there is a hormonal component to lichen sclerosus, why some folks flare around their periods (and what to do if that happens), what's the deal with estrogen, and more! *Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5gTLNL9LNU 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 Important Links Dr. Babb's website North American Menopause Society website Follow Dr. Babb on Instagram and TikTok @dr.coreybabb Dr. Babb's YouTube Channel The AZIZA Project…

Discussing The Mona Lisa Double-Blind Study with Leia Mitchell

Jul

By Kathy

Kathy Video

Discussing The Mona Lisa Double-Blind Study with Leia Mitchell

In this episode, we look at the clinical trial done around Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser, also known as the Mona Lisa laser, with Leia Michell. We discuss why they felt the research was needed, who was in the trial, how they performed the trial, and the results. If you've got laser treatment, please let us know how it was for you in the comments below. Meet Leia Mitchell, a passionate and knowledgeable physician assistant whose expertise lies in the realm of Lichen Sclerosus treatment. Her commitment to the comprehensive understanding and management of this condition has led her to investigate the Mona Lisa laser's potential for helping those with Lichen Sclerosus. As a board-certified physician assistant, Leia's extensive experience and background allow her to provide expert guidance and advice to medical practitioners seeking the latest innovations in Lichen Sclerosus's care. Leia's dedication to her field has resulted in the groundbreaking…

Discussing how steroids affect lichen sclerosus patients with Dr. Jill Krapf

Apr

By Kathy

Kathy Video

Discussing how steroids affect lichen sclerosus patients with Dr. Jill Krapf

Join me in the second part of this conversation with Dr. Jill Krapf, LS specialist; researcher; author; and educator, about her research review, "Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Review of Pharmacokinetics and Recommended Dosing Frequencies." When evaluating treatments for lichen sclerosis, one must consider all variables involved for optimal application. In this review article, the authors explore the science of the skin and the effects of inflammation, as well as the absorption of the medication. However, with limited research guiding us, the answer remains scattered and uncertain, leaving us with more questions than answers. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the effectiveness of topical steroid treatments in managing Lichen Sclerosis. Understand skin absorption concerns and dosages when using steroid treatments. Uncover truths about the myths surrounding the long-term side effects of steroid use. Grasp the significance of adhering to proper steroid application…