share: lichen Planus and the effects that can distroy normal skin by becoming a chronic inflammation.
I was 36 years old, when I was told I was already post menopausal. It all started when I was 42 years old. I had thought I had a UTI, very painful, but the problem was I had never had one in all my life. I had a urine test and was told I had blood in the urine. The doctor placed me on an anit-biotic. But when the pain did not resolve I made aa appointment with my GYN. It was during the exam, the doctor had a mirror and asked me to look into the mirror that he had placed near the Uretha area, I was in shock when I saw that the area was chroniclly inflammed. Then the real shock came from what the doctor told me. He told me what he tought, Lichen Planus/Sclorosis and that this is seen only in women in their later years, nursing home age. I was only 42 years old. A biopsy was performed and verified. I have been to John Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, jsut to name a few places. After 10 years I was refered to a doctor in Cincinati, Ohio. The damage was so bad. The Uretra had been pulled down less the 1/2 centermeter from the Vaginal area with the Vaginal area just close to completely closed. The skin area was so badly damaged from the disease. I have tried and tried to find out about this, but always just failed to find what was happening to me. Its been now 11 years and I am just now learning how to cope with it. Feeling I was not a complete women was the hardest thing to except. That from the outside I looked fine however, what ones could not see that my body was doing things that was so very, very uncommon. I have it also in the mouth and know I believe its in the nasal area.
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Dear Anon
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and welcome!
Lichen Planus is such an uncomfortable condition that does indeed affect the vagina in many cases.
Are you undergoing any particular treatment right now?
From our L.P. page:
Symptom Relief
Topical or oral antihistamines to relieve itching
Other topical anti-itching products (pramoxine, menthol, eucalyptus oil)
Soothing soaks (oatmeal, Burows solution 1:40)
Steroid Medications
Topical steroids may be used to help decrease inflammation. Steroids may also be injected by a needle directly into a lesion. Oral or IV steroids are only used in severe cases.
Other Treatments
Retinoids or immunomodulating medications may be useful, particularly for lesions in the mouth
Ultraviolet light combined with oral medication has also been effective in widespread or resistant cases
You can read a lot more on our page dedicated to Lichen Planus here: http://www.empowher.com/condition/lichen-planus
and you'll also find lots of really informative articles and stories from women like you, who are struggling with the same condition. Please let us know if these help you or if we can help you in other ways. Thanks so much again for finding EmpowHER.
Best,
August 22, 2011 - 11:57am~Susan
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