Autoimmune Mechanism and conditions Archives

Lychen Sclerosis et Atrophicus - Dr. Stoll?

Dr Stoll,

I posted a note several months back about some ongoing skin issues in my groin area. I am a 43 year old male, and a recreational cyclist. You may recall I had seen a dermatologist several times for persistant skin irritation. Even a short bike ride left me feeling extremely chafed and raw. Derm treated for fungal infection (topical antifungals, oral diflucan, elidel cream [a steroid analog], etc.), but the condition would not resolve. Then tried antibiotics, in case it was bacterial. No change. On my 8th visit, he made the wastebasket diagnosis of "neurological dermatitis", and prescribed zonalon cream to deaden the nerve impulses in the affected area - treating the symptoms but ignoring the cause.

During each office visit I requested a biopsy, but was always told "it would tell us nothing."

Out of desperation, I sought a second opinion with another dermatologist. She agreed to do a biopsy on my first visit, and called this morning with the diagnosis of Lychen Sclerosis. According to her, and to the information I've found online, this condition is treatable but not curable. There is also a slight increase in the likelihood of skin cancer in the long term. Most common treatment is topical Clobetasol Propionate, some sort of super-duper steroid. I am willing to do most anything to try to end this discomfort, but am concerned about side effects of long term steroid use (permanent thinning of skin, etc.).

Are you familiar with this condition? What would you recommend for someone in my position, and are you aware of any alternative or complimentary treatments that might favorably affect my outcome?

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

Correction: Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus

Re: Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus - Dr. Stoll? Archive.