Lichen sclerosus vs Lichen simplex chronicus
Timeline:
April 7 - I mentioned itching and gynecologist did an examination and diagnosed me with lichen sclerosus. He prescribed clobetasol ointment - twice a day for 1 month and then, once a day for 1 month and then see him again after.
I have itching on my right leg as well and he recommended that I see a dermatologist.
I didn't apply clobetasol yet because I wanted to hear from my dermatologist first.
April 14 - I saw my dermatologist. I showed her my leg and also asked about my LS diagnosis. She said to apply hydrocortisone ointment because she isn't sure if I have LS - twice a day for 2 weeks and then don't apply for a week and then see her again after.
May 5 - I saw dermatologist again. She said, it probably is LS and I can continue hydrocortisone or start clobetasol.
At this point, I was a bit confused because I thought she would tell me it got a little better and that I don't have LS as she suspected.
Background: I have been scratching down there the last several months before I saw my gynecologist last month. It wasn't a constant itch. It mostly happens when I wash down there (which I do twice a day) - that's when the desire to scratch happens. I didn't see my gynecologist right away because I thought it will just go away on its own.
Since my LS diagnosis, I've been looking online and from what I saw, mine doesn't have white "patches" like LS patients do. From what I read, I actually became convinced that mine could be lichen simplex chronicus. Or maybe, I'm just in denial.
I continued hydrocortisone since I already started it and I didn't really want to start clobetasol unless LS is a definite possibility.
May 13 - I saw another dermatologist today. I explained everything that happened. He said it's not lichen sclerosus. It's lichen simplex chronicus. I said, how come my gynecologist said it's LS. He said, you mentioned itching and that's what they think. Dermatologist also said I don't have white patches. I said, so I definitely don't have LS? He said, yes, continue the hydrocortisone and see him in 4 weeks.
Anyone else initially diagnosed with lichen sclerosus (LS) and later found out it was lichen simplex chronicus (LSC)?