Hi, I was diagnosed with this last August after suffering for about 18 months - the symptoms in my case were extreme dryness, itching and also the whitening of my labia. I had thought it was simply due to being post menapausal and, because I suffer from vaginal atrophy, thought it was recurrent thrush and had tried to "sort it out" myself - Replense, Canistan etc.
After numerous visits to the Dr I was finally given an examination and a diagnosis was almost instant. I was immediately prescribed Cetomacrogol cream (I think this may be a better product than aqueous cream for this condition) to ease the itching and to keep everything well moisturised and I use this liberally every morning and night and it has been really effective. I am happy to say that I have had been virtually symptom free since using the cream.
I also use vitamin B oil which is supposed to help the scarring and general well being of the skin, don't use soap (the Cetomacrogol can be used in place of soap if required), always shower rather than have a bath, wear cotton pants, don't swim in swimming baths, don't wear tight fitting trousers such as jeans, etc, etc.
I saw a consultant in September and the condition was confirmed. The consultant did not want to see me again as she felt the Cetomacrogol was controlling the symptoms and that it was not currently "active" but she advised me to see my Dr if it flared up again and did not respond to a short course of cortesone cream - Dermovate. I now use the Dermovate for a course of a week if I experience any itching that doesn't disappear with just increased use of the Cetomacrogol - fortunatley I have only used it three times since September.
Due to the combination of my "complaints" sex had become very painful and very uncomfortable - the lichen sclerosus causes the skin to thin and tear easily and scar after healing - but I now use an excellent lubricant called Sylk, (bought on line from Amazon) and I am pleased to say that things are slowly getting back to the good old days! My mantra is moisturise and lubricate!
I don't usually talk about this but wanted to share my circumstances with you. When I found out that I had it I also looked on line. There isn't a lot about this condition but there are a number of support groups where people share tips and advice but sadly, I read of so many cases where the condition was having a really traumatic effect that I was pretty devastated.
I may be very lucky at the moment and I do realise that it's early days and things may end up getting worse in the future but I just wanted you to know that there can be a positive outcome.
Hope this helps to reassure you.