Lichen sclerosus & pregnancy

[clo1992]

Iv just been told I possibly have Lichen sclerosus by doctor. I'm being prescribed a steroid cream to use for a week to see if any improvement.
Has anyone else been diagnosed with this while pregnant?
Has it effected birthing or your pregnancy in any way?

Bumping post

I no it's a pretty rare condition but I was hoping someone maybe able to help.
The doctor has proscribed me Eumovate cream but it clearly states do not use in pregnancy and do not use on private parts. So I'm really concerned now and haven't used it.
Does anyone no any steroid cream for down below that's safe in pregnancy?

I don't have the condition but there are some useful links here:
www.vulvalpainsociety.org/vps/index.php/vulval-conditions/lichen-sclerosus

Here you go
lichensclerosus.org/lichen-sclerosus-and-pregnancy/

Firstly, are you pregnant? It’s not clear from your post if you are, or wanting to be.

Patient info leaflet always err on the side of caution. It will usually say something like “discuss with your pharmacy or doctor if pregnant”. It can be used on the genitals if prescribed for that use, despite what the leaflet says.

You can use steroid creams in pregnancy under medical supervision, but ideally the least potent dose which also controls symptoms.
Usually lichen sclerosis is treated with a stronger steroid than Eumovate and it often takes more than a week to see improvement.
If you are pregnant I would speak with your doctor again to be clear. If they aren’t sure what to do they could speak with a dermatology specialist, unlikely they could see you but they could advise your GP

The doctor has proscribed me Eumovate cream but it clearly states do not use in pregnancy and do not use on private parts.

Pretty much all medications have warnings like that on them, it’s because it’s very hard to prove that any medication is safe for use in pregnancy as it wouldn’t be ethical to do a trial. However topical corticosteroids are thought to be safe in pregnancy because there have been large numbers of women who’ve used them during pregnancy without any problems. Your doctor will have weighed up the pros and cons and decided that the benefits outweigh the potential risk, but if you’re worried please ring them up and ask to discuss it.

@mouldygrapes yes 27 weeks pregnant.

Just rang doctors again and she said definitely fine to use in pregnancy and on vagina. I really stressed it said not to but apparently they have to put it on there for insurance purposes.

I also have got a referral to see a gynaecologist. Dreading going to a hospital for that. :(
I'm assuming there looking into weather they think a c section would be best for me due to risk of tearing.

Vulva not vagina, please don't put it inside your vagina.

Hopefully you are reassured. If not pregnant you would usually be prescribed a much stronger steroid so it sounds like your doctor is being cautions.
Mode of delivery would depend on how bad and how widespread your LS is, plus you have time for the steroid to start working. I don’t imagine they’d want you to have a routine section unless really bad.
And yes, patient info leaflets are misleading! I have to tell all my patients that it is fine to use on the genitals if told to do so by a doctor, and not to worry about the leaflet. Good luck and try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know!)

Vulva not vagina, please don't put it inside your vagina

That too! External genitalia only

@mouldygrapes thank you. I'm a proper worrier as it is. Had two miscarriages and this baby is my first so I'll literally question anything :)

Yes sorry vulva. I won't put it in vagina don't worry 😉

@clo1992

I have lichen sclerosus but I was diagnosed a couple of years ago and am pregnant now. All the research I have read is that it won't affect pregnancy and neither the midwife or my dermatologist seemed worried