Dealing with itching and inflammation in the skin can be both physically painful and emotionally frustrating.
People, particularly women, who endure the harsh symptoms of lichen sclerosus aren’t new to this kind of discomfort. Lichen sclerosus is a long-term skin condition that gives shiny and smooth white patches around your genital and anal areas.
These patches can be itchy and sore, making the affected areas prone to bruises, scarring, bleeding, or blistering.
Although the exact causes are not yet known, it should not stop us from alleviating its literally and figuratively irritating symptoms. Here are 6 simple tips to relieve the discomfort caused by lichen sclerosus.
1.) DO NOT SCRATCH
This is, by far, the cheapest tip yet most difficult to perform.
If you scratch the affected area, your skin condition will worsen, causing bruises and scars. No matter how you want to scratch the itch away, do not give in to that burning sensation. Instead, try to add warm water to your bathtub and relax in it.
2.) AVOID PRODUCTS WITH HARSH MATERIALS
Veer away from using beauty products that have harsh chemicals in them.
Perfumed soaps, fragrant lotions, and scented skin cleansers should be avoided as well. These strong products can do more harm than good to sensitive skin. As an alternative, use hypoallergenic soaps and opt for unscented skincare products safe and comforting to the skin.
3.) APPLY CREAMS
To help decrease the tendency for scarring and bring back your skin to its former glory, use steroid creams. The use of ointments and other topical treatments for long periods helps keep lichen sclerosus from coming back.
4.) OILS
Did you know? Oils also offer a moment of relief from itching and burning.
Natural treatments like oils are also beneficial against lichen sclerosus as oils moisturize and treat inflammation in the affected areas simultaneously. Coconut oil, for example, moisturizes and has some antibacterial properties too.
5.) AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING
Tight-fitting fabrics are always a no-no when it comes to comfort clothing. Stiff garments made from synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, can trigger flare-ups and exacerbate irritation. Moreover, tight fabric rubs to the skin and build-ups moisture in the body, so when you’re in humid weather, we recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes to allow your body parts to breathe.
6.USE 100% ORGANIC COTTON CLOTHING
People wouldn’t call cotton “the fabric of life” for nothing.
Clothes made from 100% organic cotton provide the best comfort you would need from garments. Those with skin allergies or multiple chemical sensitivity always have all-cotton pieces in their wardrobe because of their softness, purity, and hypoallergenic attribute.
Cotton-made clothes are the absolute go-to when it comes to preventing irritants to the skin. To reduce the chances of bruising and irritation in the genital and anal areas that lichen sclerosus may bring, wear 100% organic cotton underwear. To know more about lichen sclerosus, read our article here.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented on AllergyKB is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our knowledge base website is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. We highly urge everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers.
