Again I am searching the internet for information that will help my 75 year old mother who is suffering from severe lichen planus of the vulva. I feel like we are getting no where with her treatment. We live in Maryland. We have Johns Hopkins and University Hospitals at our disposal. However, we do not seem to be seeing the right specialist. My mother started with her primary doctor in July of 2005 who treated her for yeast infections, vaginal dryness until she could do no more. She referred her to an gyn who said she thought it was LP, even though she admitted not having much experience or exposure to the disease. She referred her to a specialist gyn who treated her with predizone but then he referred her to a rheumatologist for long term steroid treatment. He continued the steroids, added plaquenel (?) and prescribed rhemicaid (?) infusions. Except for the steroids, I don't believe the others helped. They have been stopped. She also has used every cream and gel under the sun for relief. The gels give minimal relief for the excruciating task of urinating. She has recently been seen by an ocology gyn who concocted a cream to give relief, with little or no results. She is also seeing a pain specialist who is trying nerve blocks to allow her to go to the bathroom. Not much success there either.
When I tell you she is suffering, you cannot imagine how awful it is. The emotional torment is taking it's toll also. She has been on antidepressants for 20 years or more so at least we know not to let this get out of control. This torment has been going on for 15 months.
If the immune system is the problem I cannot understand why no one is treating the immune system. They only seem to be treating the symptons not the root of the problem. Any advice is appreciated.

Again I am searching the internet for information that will help my 75 year old mother who is suffering from severe lichen planus of the vulva. I feel like we are getting no where with her treatment. We live in Maryland. We have Johns Hopkins and University Hospitals at our disposal. However, we do not seem to be seeing the right specialist. My mother started with her primary doctor in July of 2005 who treated her for yeast infections, vaginal dryness until she could do no more. She referred her to an gyn who said she thought it was LP, even though she admitted not having much experience or exposure to the disease. She referred her to a specialist gyn who treated her with predizone but then he referred her to a rheumatologist for long term steroid treatment. He continued the steroids, added plaquenel (?) and prescribed rhemicaid (?) infusions. Except for the steroids, I don't believe the others helped. They have been stopped. She also has used every cream and gel under the sun for relief. The gels give minimal relief for the excruciating task of urinating. She has recently been seen by an ocology gyn who concocted a cream to give relief, with little or no results. She is also seeing a pain specialist who is trying nerve blocks to allow her to go to the bathroom. Not much success there either.
When I tell you she is suffering, you cannot imagine how awful it is. The emotional torment is taking it's toll also. She has been on antidepressants for 20 years or more so at least we know not to let this get out of control. This torment has been going on for 15 months.
If the immune system is the problem I cannot understand why no one is treating the immune system. They only seem to be treating the symptons not the root of the problem. Any advice is appreciated.


I have heard vaginal/oral lichen planus has been treated with a combination - or series of - Clobetasol and Topicort cream/gel (both Corticosteroid) plus Premarin and Vagifem tablets. Perhaps you could mention these medications to your doctor - or as it is a problem of the immune system, you could obtain a referral for your mother to an Immunologist.

Has your mother ever been tested for hepatitis? Lichen planus can be related to a viral issue. Just a thought. Maybe you do some google searching.

It seems like the Source of your mother's problem is the problem and the treatments she is getting are only masking the real issue. Maybe she has a food allergy or is allergic to the material close to that area - cotton? Or homonal issues? trying to throw out some other ideas. I like looking at ******.com - dr andrew weil's site - he is harvard trained MD who is well known in integrative medicine - he always looks for the source of the problem.

Good luck to you.

What a frustrating experience it must be. I have lichen planus, although it affects only my arms, legs and torso. After having tried several medications, I am now using Colchicine - 0.6 MG - 2-3 times a day. Colchicine is usually prescribed for gout, but apparently does suppress the immune system, preventing the rash from appearing. As long as I take the medication, the rash is kept under control. It might be something to ask the doctor about. Good luck.