Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus: Why and How to Use Emu Oil
Many people who suffer from lichen sclerosus are increasingly turning to emu oil to manage their condition.
This is particularly true for those who prefer using natural remedies.
Before we dive into why many people prefer to use emu oil for lichen sclerosus, and how it should be used, let's take a brief look into what lichen sclerosis really is.
80% of those who suffer from autoimmune diseases are—sadly and unfairly—women.
Although still very much a mystery—lichen sclerosus is most possibly an autoimmune disease.
Most women victims of lichen sclerosus are post menopausal but patients who are still in their reproductive years also constitute a decent proportion.
Lichen Sclerosus Scientific Facts
These are other facts:
- The most common of symptoms is itchy skin. Others include blisters, skin damage, pain during sex or when peeing—and yes—skin tear.
- About 4% of women with lichen sclerosus develop vulvar cancer or squamous cell carcinoma.
- While lichen sclerosus mainly affects the skin around the genitals, in some cases (6-20%), it affects skin on other areas of the body—a condition called extragenital lichen sclerosus.
- Women bear a heavier burden of the disease, but men can also get lichen sclerosus. For men, circumcision plays a role. In fact, the chance of a circumcised male person developing lichen sclerosus is almost 0%.
- Those with lichen sclerosus have another family member with lichen sclerosus in 10% of the cases.
- There is another disease—lichen planus—commonly confused with lichen sclerosus but they are technically different.
Other names for lichen sclerosus include:
- Leukoplakia
- Kraurosis vulvae
- Kalanitis xerotica obliterans
- LS(An abbreviation)
- Vulvar lichen sclerosus
- Vulval lichen sclerosus
- Lichen sclerosis
- Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.
How Does Lichen Sclerosus Develop and Progress In the Human Body?
It has been suggested that hyper-active lymphocytes produce a cytokine storm leading to some skin cells producing altered collagen—the main structural protein found in skin.
But what causes this?
Patients with LS in most cases also have thyroid disease usually because of excess thyroid antibodies—suggesting risk factors for this immune system such as:
Treatment Options for Lichen Sclerosus
After diagnosis by a qualified and licensed doctor, you should consider various treatment options for lichen sclerosus.
There are several treatment options for lichen sclerosus(LS). The following are some of the popular treatments:
- Topical corticosteroid treatment
- Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
- Topical androgens, progesterone, and estrogens
- Other local pharmacologic agents like retinoids
- Emollients
- Phototherapy(ultraviolet light)
- Laser therapy
- Fat grafting
- Stem cell therapy
- Cryotherapy
There are other treatments which can manage LS symptoms, including natural remedies like emu oil.
Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus With Emu Oil
“It works. I thought it would just be soothing after a flare, which would have been good, but it actually seems to be helping to stop them. Stress can cause a flare for me, and I was in stressful situation while out and about and felt a flare start. I used the 'stick' and it worked. Have used the oil, cream and stick so far.”
-A review from a verified Emu Joy buyer.
Why Use Emu Oil For Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus?
Pure refined emu oil is a tried and tested emollient used for many skin conditions like lichen sclerosus.
What does emu oil contain that makes it successful with symptom relief for this skin disease?
It turns out that emu oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids including essential fatty acids like omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 — which have been known to reduce inflammation.
To understand the mechanism further, these fatty acids are crucial in generating prostaglandins, a group of fat compounds which are essential for healing and instituting positive skin changes.
One common symptom is itching of the skin— around the vulva for ladies—and around the head of the penis for men.
Emu oil has other beneficial components as well, that can help with the itching associated with this debilitating skin condition. It’s also proven to soothe irritated skin and relieve pain.
While you can use topical corticosteroids for treating vulvar lichen sclerosus, these ointments have their own downsides.
For perspective, the following is the conclusion in a study published in the journal Advances in Dermatology:
“Topical corticosteroids as a first-line treatment have been highly effective. However, side effects of their prolonged use and a relative risk of carcinogenesis must be considered, especially in case of genital LS.”
But don’t throw away your clobetasol propionate just yet.
You can combine emu oil products—like those in the Soothe My LS Kit—with your steroid ointment.
The Soothe My Skin cream is especially great for LS, as it provides relief for itch and irritation with a combination of aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, emu oil, and other soothing botanicals.
Aloe vera produces a gel rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12 which has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and swelling as well as limit scarring. The emu oil cream benefits are thereby amplified by the plethora of natural remedies and herbs found in this product.
It’s a safe way to ease yourself off the corticosteroids a bit more gradually and smoothly.
Many LS sufferers also find relief for their pain symptoms by applying the Banish My Pain salve.
And for quick relief when away from home, the On the Go Stick tucks into a purse or pocket for convenient relief of itch or pain.
But there’s one thing you should know.
Not all vaginal skin conditions are the same.
Studies show that emu oil is good in relieving pain in cases involving both vaginal atrophy—when the walls of the vagina become thin, dry, and inflamed—and in cases without vaginal atrophy.
But how should you use emu oil, assuming that you’ve already gone through a medical diagnosis?
How Emu Oil Should Be Used
The patient or a caregiver should apply emu oil on the skin surface especially where there are spots and LS lesions.
This should be done 3–4 times a day.
Don’t Despair—Make a Step Towards Healing.
If you suspect that you have symptoms of LS, consider booking an appointment with either a qualified dermatologist or a gynecologist.
After diagnosis of yourself or a loved one with LS, and if you're considering incorporating emu oil for much needed relief from itch and pain, head to our online store— and get our Soothe My LS Kit— or peruse the many beneficial, all-natural products that hundreds of LS have used to bring much-needed relief and comfort.
The following review could also be your experience:
Amazing
I haven't experienced this much relief from my LS the entire time I've been using my steroid ointment. Honestly the most amazing purchase I've made for myself. Favorite product by far would have to soothe my skin. 10/10 would recommend to anyone suffering from LS and would definitely purchase the kit again. Thank you for making such a wonderful product!
-Celeste T.
One more benefit: with natural products, you really don’t have to worry about the long-term effects of potent topical steroids.
The good news?
Your symptoms may be reduced within two weeks of consistent use. For some people, they have even disappeared entirely.
Get yours today – buy emu oil cream or pure emu oil to experience the natural wonders of our skincare solutions and revitalize your skin.
