A daily routine for the itch, burning and dryness of lichen sclerosus, from Emu Joy, a family-owned company.
In this guide
A note from us
If you're reading this, you know the itch, the burning and the dryness of lichen sclerosus, and how hard it is to talk about. Over the years, many women living with LS have written to us. This guide puts what they've taught us in one place: a simple daily routine, small changes that help, and the questions worth bringing to your doctor.
It doesn't replace your doctor's care. LS needs a proper diagnosis and regular check-ins, and many women use a routine like this alongside what their doctor prescribes.
If you have a question, reply to any of our emails. A real person reads every one.
Sarah, Emu Joy (family-owned)
What LS skin needs day to day
LS most often shows up on vulvar and anal skin, and it can also appear elsewhere on the body. The skin can feel thin, dry and tight, and it tends to itch, burn, crack or tear. Day to day, most of what helps comes down to four things:
- Moisture, often. When LS skin dries out, it tends to itch and split. Many women find a little oil or cream several times a day feels better than a lot once a day.
- A gentle cleanse. Ordinary soaps, bubble bath and scented wipes can sting. A mild, fragrance-free bar or plain water is easier on LS skin.
- Less friction. Tight clothing, rough fabrics and rubbing all add up. A barrier of oil or balm helps skin glide instead of rub.
- A routine you keep. The routine that helps most is the one you'll actually do every day, including the good days.
Your daily routine, step by step
Five steps, one product each. Start with steps 1 to 3, then add the others as you need them. These are the five pieces of the Soothe My Lichen Sclerosus Kit.
| Step | When | What to use | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Shower or bath | Emu Oil Soap | A gentle, fragrance-free bar with emu oil and calendula. Lather in your hands, wash gently, rinse and pat dry. No scrubbing. |
| 2. Moisturize | After washing, after the bathroom, and any time skin feels dry | Pure Emu Oil | A few drops smoothed onto clean skin. One ingredient, 100% pure, fragrance-free. It can also be used as a personal lubricant. |
| 3. Soothe | When the itch or burning starts | Soothe My Skin | A comfort cream with calendula, chamomile and aloe. A thin layer is enough; use as often as you need. |
| 4. Comfort | On sore, tender days | Relief Balm | Massage in a little. Not for broken skin. Contains camphor, so it's not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. |
| 5. On the go | At work, traveling, overnight bag | On The Go Stick | A few swipes at the first sign of a flare. Fits in a pocket or purse. Avoid open wounds. |
A simple day: soap and oil in the morning, oil after bathroom trips, Soothe My Skin when the itch starts, and oil or cream again before bed. Many customers keep a bottle of oil in the bathroom so it's always within reach.
Try a patch first. Before using anything new on vulvar skin, try a little on your inner arm for a day. Stop using any product that stings or irritates.
Tips for what bothers you most
When the itch won't let up
- Reach for Soothe My Skin at the first itch, not after scratching. A thin layer is enough, and you can reapply as often as you need.
- Keep nails short, and try cotton gloves at night if you scratch in your sleep.
- A cool, damp cloth for a few minutes can calm a bad moment before you apply cream.
"Been using for a few weeks now , and so far it seems to be working well itching much less.I use twice a day morning and evening , and would recommend highly for this condition ."
Patricia B., Soothe My Skin
When it burns
- Pat, don't rub. Pat dry after washing and after the bathroom.
- A layer of Pure Emu Oil before you pee gives skin a barrier, and many customers apply a little more afterward.
- Soothe My Skin is gentle enough for burning vulvar skin. Use a thin layer.
"Soothe My Skin eased the dryness and burning sensation I was experiencing due to Lichen Sclerosus."
Angelina I., Soothe My Skin
When skin feels dry, tight or splits
- Moisturize little and often: a few drops of oil several times a day, not just once.
- Before bed, a slightly thicker layer of oil or cream lets skin soak it in overnight.
- Pat dry, then apply. Skin doesn't need to be damp.
"I have Lichen Sclerosis & have had it for over a year. I’ve used many products with not much relief. The smooth my skin emu cream has been great! I finally have so much relief from my vaginal dryness, irritated itching, & sleepiness nights! Thank you Emu Joy for a great priduct!"
Deb, Soothe My Skin
When intimacy is uncomfortable
- You're not alone, and it's worth raising with your doctor. LS often affects intimacy, and there are options.
- Pure Emu Oil can also be used as a personal lubricant. It's one ingredient, with no fragrance or additives. It is not a contraceptive and has not been tested with condoms, so check with your doctor if that matters to you.
- Go slowly, and apply oil before and after.
"This is a great help for LS sufferers. Very good and gentle, external, genital lubricant, does not sting and lasts between toilet trips."
Pure Emu Oil review
Small changes customers tell us help
None of these replaces your routine or your doctor's advice. They're the everyday changes women with LS mention most often.
- Underwear: soft cotton, and none at night if that feels better.
- Clothing: looser pants and skirts on bad days; skip tight leggings and shapewear.
- In the bathroom: plain, unscented toilet paper; pat instead of wipe; a little oil afterward.
- Washing: no bubble bath, scented wipes, douches or perfumed products near vulvar skin.
- Laundry: a fragrance-free detergent, and skip fabric softener on underwear.
- Swimming: a layer of oil before the pool, then rinse and reapply after.
- Exercise: breathable fabrics, and change out of sweaty clothes soon after.
- Sleep: keep oil or cream on the nightstand for itchy nights.
Alongside your prescription
Many women with LS are prescribed a steroid ointment such as clobetasol. Keep using it as your doctor directs. Our products are a non-steroid option for everyday comfort, and many customers use them alongside what their doctor prescribes.
Many customers tell us they reach for their steroid cream less often, and some have replaced steroids entirely. Results vary. Always follow your doctor's advice on your prescription, and talk to them before changing how you use it.
Questions to bring to your next appointment
- How often should I come in for a check-up, and what changes should make me call sooner?
- How long should I use my prescription, and how should I taper it when the time comes?
- Is it OK to use a daily moisturizer or oil alongside my prescription? Which should go on first?
- What can I do about discomfort with intimacy?
- Are there signs I should watch for between visits?
It helps to bring your monthly comfort tracker (at the end of this guide) so your doctor can see how your days have been.
Why emu oil
Emu oil is rich in omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 fatty acids, with a profile similar to the oils in human skin, which is why it absorbs past the surface instead of sitting on top. Our Pure Emu Oil is one ingredient, fully refined and fragrance-free, so there's very little in it to react to. That matters on skin as sensitive as LS-affected vulvar skin.
The other pieces add ingredients known for their gentleness: calendula and aloe, traditionally used to soothe dry, irritated skin, and chamomile, known for its calming properties on skin. Our products have no synthetic fragrance, and both soaps and the oil are fragrance-free.
From women living with LS
Their words, unedited.
"I have lichen sclerosis and have been looking for a product that is not a steroid. I have had wonderful results with the soothe my skin, from Emu Joy."
Christina H.
"I have had LS for a long time now. Doctor finally told me to use steroid cream. I used the steroid cream until the last flair up subsided. I am now using Emu Joy Sooth My Skin daily with good results. I am also using a little dab on my dry elbows!"
Judy
"This soap has been a lifesaver for my LS. Few days and the itching was much better. Also have the kit it's all amazing. Thank you so much!"
Sharolyn B.
"Very soothing, calms itching and burning on my back, legs and arms."
Barbara B., LS Kit
Results vary. Everyone's skin is different.
LS communities worth knowing
Talking to other women with LS helps. These groups aren't connected to Emu Joy; we list them because customers tell us they're useful.
- Groups.io Lichen Sclerosus forum: long-running, active discussion
- Lichen Sclerosus Support Network: provider directory, private group, virtual meetups and the LS Podcast
- The Lost Labia Chronicles: blog, videos and resources
- r/lichensclerosus on Reddit
- Patient.info LS forum
Your monthly comfort tracker
A printable, two-page tracker for the month. Each day, circle a number from 0 (none) to 5 (worst) for itch, burning and dryness, tick off your morning and evening routine, and jot down anything new. There's room at the end for notes and questions for your doctor.
Download your monthly tracker (PDF)
Print it out, fill it in through the month, and bring it to your next appointment.
How to start
- The full routine: the Soothe My Lichen Sclerosus Kit has all five pieces in this guide.
- A smaller start: Pure Emu Oil and Soothe My Skin cover steps 2 and 3.
- Try it without the worry: your first order is covered by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee, kits included.
Emu Joy products are cosmetics and are not a substitute for medical care. Please talk with your doctor about your LS care.
