Welcome to the forums. Please sign in or register

  1. Discussion forums
  2. Conditions L
  3. Lichen Sclerosus

Alternative to steroid creams

  1. Hi. I posted here a few years ago after having had a biopsy and a diagnosis. I was reluctant to use the steroid cream that was prescribed to me (mainly because of the long term thinning of the skin) and began to research ways of managing my condition without using the cream. Unable to find much help on the internet for LS itself, I began researching auto immune diseases as it is thought that LS is probably an auto immune condition. I found a cream used mainly by arthritis sufferers called CMO Cream (Cerasomal-cis-9-cetylmyrisoleate - I hope I have got that right!) but it is thought to help all sorts of auto immune conditions. I began using that twice daily and found that it really helped. My body had begun to fuse together and slowly but surely it unfused. I then started using it once a day.

    Much later, I read about the benefits of propolis for auto immune diseases. Propolis is produced by bees to protect their hives and is mainly known for its antibiotic-like properties. However, it can also boost the immune system when it needs boosting and slow it down if it is over active. I started taking one propolis tablet a day. Propolis also comes in a cream which is great for cuts, burns, etc. I started using that alongside the CMO cream and both have been amazing. I still need to use something once a day or my symptoms come back but I have never resorted to steroid creams.

    I went back to my consultant after 2 years just to check that she was happy with how I was managing the condition. She was. She found a small area that I had missed with the cream and told me to direct the CMO cream there. She said to come back in another 2 years and hoped that next time, there would be no LS left for her to see!

    I would also like to say that I have also found that eating too much sugar does cause flare-ups.

    When first dignosed, I thought that this was going to change my life but now I hardly remember that there is anything wrong with me. It has not affected my life in any way except for the inconvenience of having to apply a cream at night - something I am happy to live with.

    I know that alternative medicines are not for everyone but just wanted to share my experience for any like-minded sufferers. Sue

  2. Thankyou so much Sue for the information will try both, have been using steroid cream for a while now but now have ulcered areas. My GP has written back to consultant requesting another appointment for me, she wrote in June then again in October I rang hospital a few weeks ago only to be told that they werent even looking to send appts till at least May, was advised to go back to GP and get her to change it to urgent so dont know how long I will have to wait.

    Thanks once again I will post once I have tried the cream and tablets. Gaynor

  3. Hi Sue, thanks for relaying this information - I've just ordered the propolis cream, as like you I do worry about using dermovate long term. Liz

  4. After years of suffering a friend suggested Dermol 500 lotion as an alternative to Dermovate and i have noticed a major improvement in my symptoms. Can you buy the propolis cream without a prescription

  5. Propolis cream is available at health stores and does not need a prescription.

  6. Hi all

    I'm having a bad flare up of LS and the propolis cream does not seem to help me. I already use dermol lotion to wash with and moisturise with and have tried emu oil. But when the flare up is bad, I have to resort to the steroid cream as it is the best thing for it for me and I'd rather try to get rid of the flare up as soon as I can. I don't know if it has to run it's course though and can't be hurried along. I was on oxytetracycline for rosacea and finished one month's supply of it last week, I think I'll start another packet today and see if that also helps.

  7. I have to say that it is the CMO cream that helped me most - I only tried the propolis cream very recently and that helps too but I would really recommend the CMO cream.

  8. Just wondering if you could help and tell me where I could order CMO cream. There are so many websites selling it and not many look legitimate. Thank you

  9. I tried to post a reply with the website but my reply is waiting for approval as it contained a website name and I expect they are trying to stop people marketing their own products (I have nothing to do with the website or product though apart from being a satisfied customer). If it is not accepted and I cannot post the webiste name, I use a cream called duoflex CMO+ Cream which is available from a number of websites I believe. The website that I use does not look at all professional but I wouldn't let that put you off - the cream has been amazing for me. Good luck (hopefully my reply with the website name will be posted shortly anyway).

  10. It is extremely difficult to find a legitimate source. I would hate to purchase something that could do more harm then help. Thank you very much for help and sharing your experience. You are star!

  11. Hi dbagal/euge155,

    I've removed the web address and the email address as we do not publish these. If you wish to contact each other directly please use the Private Messaging facility where you can pass website urls if required.

    Hope this helps.

    Alan

    Emis Moderator

  12. Dear Euge155. I have sent you a private message with the website I use. I really hope the cream gives you back you life like it did for me.

  13. Dear Euge155 I have been diagnosed with LS and I would also like to try CMO cream as I dont want to use the steroid cream on a regular basis would you be able to private message me with the details Many Thanks

  14. Oh no - giving up sugar!? I've suspected this has been tripping me up healthwise for a while, but being diagnosed with LS a year ago and wanting to find a more holistic approach to controlling this, I don't think I can avoid the inevitable. Sigh... time to take responsibility. Thank you very much for your insight.

  15. CMO is good but it does not do much without changing your lifestyle unfortunately. My wife is suffering SC for a long time now. We have learned how to keep it bay but we still have not found a solution to cure it. No sugar, no bread or yeast really. Tonnes of vegies and other healthy foods as well as supplement - magnesium, vitamin C, salmon oil capsules, propolis. All this seems to be working fine for now.

Reply to this discussion

Advertisements

Disclaimer: Patient.co.uk has no control over the content of any external links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient.co.uk.

Discussion Forums' Terms & Conditions