Dealing with itching and inflammation in the skin can be both physically painful and emotionally frustrating. But when the constant pain torments private areas where you want to be cool and comfortable all the time, the discomfort and its knock-off effects can be agonizing. 

People, particularly women, who endure the harsh symptoms of lichen sclerosus aren’t new to this kind of discomfort. Categorized as a long-term inflammatory skin condition, lichen sclerosus presents itself as shiny, and smooth white patches on your skin.

These patches, which can be found mostly around the genital and anal area, can be itchy and sore, making the affected areas of the skin prone to bruises, scarring, bleeding, or blistering. 

Although the exact cause and cure for the skin condition are not yet known, that should not stop us from alleviating its literally and figuratively irritating symptoms. Here are 6 simple tips to relieve the discomfort caused by lichen sclerosus

1. DO NOT SCRATCH 

This is, by far, the cheapest tip yet most difficult to perform. 

If you scratch the affected area, your skin condition will worsen, causing bruises and scars. No matter how you want to scratch the itch away, do not give in to that burning sensation. To somehow ease the discomfort without physically making matters worse, you try to add warm water to your bathtub and relax in it. 

2. AVOID PRODUCTS WITH HARSH MATERIALS

Veer away from using beauty products that have harsh chemicals in them. 

Perfumed soaps, fragrant lotions, and scented skin cleansers should be avoided as well as they can do more harm than good to sensitive skin. As an alternative, use hypoallergenic soaps and opt for unscented skincare products safe and comforting to the skin. 

3. APPLY CREAMS

Although patches on some parts of the body usually fade away with time, other affected areas just don't go away on their own. 

To help decrease the tendency for scarring and bring back your skin to its former glory, use steroid creams. Aside from stopping itching, the use of ointments, corticosteroid creams, and other topical treatments for long periods helps to keep lichen sclerosus from coming back.

4. OILS 

Did you know? Oils also offer a moment of relief from itching and burning. 

Natural treatments like oils are also beneficial against lichen sclerosus as oils moisturize and treat inflammation in the affected areas simultaneously. Coconut oil, for example, moisturizes and has some antibacterial properties too. 

5. AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING

Tight-fitting fabrics are always a no-no when it comes to comfort clothing. Stiff garments made from synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, can trigger flare-ups and exacerbate irritation. Moreover, tight fabric rubs to the skin and build-ups moisture in the body, so when you're in humid weather, we recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes to allow your body parts to breathe.   

6. USE 100% ORGANIC COTTON CLOTHING 

People wouldn't call cotton "the fabric of life" for nothing. 

Clothes made from 100% organic cotton provide the best comfort you would need from garments. Those with skin allergies or multiple chemical sensitivity always have all-cotton pieces in their wardrobe because of their softness, purity, and hypoallergenic attribute. 

Cotton-made clothes are the absolute go-to when it comes to preventing irritants to the skin. To reduce the chances of bruising and irritation in the genital and anal areas that lichen sclerosus may bring, wear 100% organic cotton underwear. 

Want to know the advantages of using cotton-made garments? Take a look at our collection now for women and men to make the big shift and see for yourself that nothing made in a laboratory will ever be as durable and comfortable as cotton.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition.