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LS diagnosis and anxiety about vulva cancer

emily236
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I'm 36 and also just been diagnosed with Lichen sclerosus. It started with itching and pain and tenderness at my clitoris and I noticed a sore there too. That was back in September. I had an appointment for a biopsy after I saw the GP (who at that time didn't mention LS) in October but that was cancelled. The sore is still there and I'm still waiting on an appointment for my biopsy. With this new diagnosis I've started reading about LS and am now petrified that the sore that won't heal is cancer. I still don't have an appointment for my biopsy but I have now started steroid cream. Has anyone had a similar experience where the steroid cream has cleared up the LS or improved the broken skin on the vulva? I'm a mum of two small kids and all I can think about is the worst case scenario. 

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  • in reply to AJD

    Hello AJD and thanks for posting, 

    Looking at the British Association of dermatologists (BAD) guidelines, a strong steroid cream called clobetasol propionate seems to be what is most often used to treat vulval lichen sclerosis. But it needs to be used for a while and it is something that only a doctor has to prescribe. The guidelines say to assess how well it is working after 3 months.  A soap subsistute and a barrier cream to protect the skin against pee is also recommended. You can read more about this in the BAD leaflet about lichen sclerosis in women. 

    If you are applying whichever cream was prescribed for you in the way your doctor told you to and things are no better, then do let them know. If you haven't already been seen by a specialist, you can ask for a referral.

    I haven't been able to find anything to say that HPV and lichen sclerosis are connected to each other, but do ask your doctor about this when you have the chance.

    If you want to talk anything over please do give us a call on Freephone 0808 800 4040, we are here weekdays, 9-5. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

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