If you have LS you definately need Estriol cream for external use as part of the maintenance alongside the steroid cream when you have a flareup, this is usual practice.. LS needs to be properly diagnosed ny biopsy, this is the only way to confirm for definate as VA symptoms show the same red soreness. A vulva consultant diagnosed my LS
by sight only, although I had no signs of LS other than the red sore patches and he said it was traces that were not active. I personally think it was VA, I never had white patches or itching but who knows.The steriod cream is useful with a bad VA flareup though as it heals the labia very fast so the estrogen cream can be applied without the burning and stinging.
I find this strange Deirdre, that they can say its LS without any visible activity. Some say tissue loss and fusing is also down to VA so I am not sure also if I have it or not. I saw a dermatologist for a rash on my face and she offered to check, so it was a very quick glance and she could see no actvity. I think I should see a Vulval dermatologist because using steroid once a week will thin the skin and make it more delicate. Ive read all sorts about this condition, a mention of skin turning a white papery look. I feel on constant edge checking, it feels like an unknown invasion. Wincing at the thought of a biopsy though
I never had the biopsy and if it is LS it's under control with estriol (ovestin) externally every night, I also take vagifem every night. If i have a flare up of whatever, VA or LS it's the same symptom just red and sore, no itching, no white patches and a few days of Dermovate sorts it out. Skin never gone thin and used for years.
My tissue loss, shrinkage of labia, was gradual over years and was definitely VA, sadly before I was aware of what was happening and knew about treatment.
I also had a prolapse a few years ago sorted with vagifem, estriol and physio.
I also use Bepanthan ointment every night, ive tried so many different moisturisers over the years but this works for me. You'll probably get through a few moisturisers untill you find one that suits you.
I agree with Ayesha, you may need vagifem every night. I've reduced mine to 5 a night for long periods but then back to every night, you just need to be flexible and use whats needed whenever. I know that's sometimes difficult when the doctor's not allowing the dosage you need but you can buy online and OTC Gina to supplement. I know you shouldn't have to do this in a perfect world but at the moment the NHS is far from perfect.
Hopefully things will improve soon and this new statement and update of the leaflet for local estrogen will protect women in the future from suffering.