Tearing with LS

[rhirhi2000]

Hello, I am 23 years old and I was diagnosed with LS in January.

1. I only have a few tiny patches (without looking you wouldn’t notice) my main symptom is tearing. Do you have any advice on how to stop this? Even with dermovate I am constantly tearing after intercouse with lots of lube. Also very swollen after it.

2. I have been told to stop using dermovate if I see improvements, is the correct or should I be using it throughout for maintenance?

3. I am also constant getting BV since being diagnosed - is this connected?

Thank you and I appreciate any advice or products you recommend!

[Dr Rosalind Simpson]

Thank you for your post and I'm sorry to hear the difficulty that you are experiencing. In most people (7 out of 10) dermovate would settle the symptoms of LS. Some people do need a different topical steroid, however, so it's worth speaking to your doctor about this.

Please make sure that you are not using other products e.g. wet wipes, soaps/shower gels, feminine hygiene products on the vulval area as these can trigger irritation. Following a good vulval hygiene routine is important. https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/vulval-skincare/

Tearing after intercourse is a potential symptom of LS, but there may be other things causing the swelling and tearing as I'd expect this to improve if the LS was being treated.

It is important to rule out a superficial infection, such as candida on the vulval skin. This can be checked for by taking a swab. It's also important to check that the diagnosis of LS is correct. Please speak to your doctor to ask if there are any other investigations that they think might be required, such as a skin biopsy.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in women and personally I'm not aware of any links with LS. Factors that may increase the incidence of BV include recent antibiotic use, douching (washing the inside of the vagina) and use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Again, please ensure that the diagnosis here is correct by asking your doctor to take swabs and discuss treatment with your doctor. If it remains a problem, having a consultation with a doctor from sexual health may be of benefit.