Skin thinning - 'down below' - May Be 'too much information'

I have found Boots Automatic Laundry Liquid and Fabric Conditioner for sensitive skin is best for washing my underwear as well as bedding and towels. I avoid panty liners as much as possible and Vaseline helps to soothe skin.

Coolgran I used to use canesten HC for quite a while (about 12 months) for sore bits but the Replens, used more frequently (apart from using the applicator I use a bit each morning) helps more. Dead cells are a bit gross as you say but think of it a bit like spring cleaning and getting in all the corners!

Surcare is good to wash your smalls in.Either wash by hand or in the machine.Heard doctors on the radio say that panty liners caused problems, too much chafing, so only use them when you really need to.

Years ago I had terrible soreness in that area. Was quite young at the time and even resorted to going to a VD clinic cause I was too embarrassed to see a doctor. They told me lots of people were having the problem because women had started wearing very tight jeans [lycra had just become widely used]. They didn't give me anything to help and eventually I did see a doctor who gave me betnovate and it cleared up straight away. I'd suffered for ages . The only reason I know more about atrophy and suchlike is because I then worked for the NHS for many years. But, even now, I still hesitate before I see a Dr

I too think this is a brilliant thread. Our anonymity makes it possible to be nicely honest about a painful problem which is so little discussed. Gransnet is definitely among the movers and shakers of our age.

crafting it's good to be forewarned about the dead cells....sounds a bit gross.
I mentioned this condition to my best friend and....she has been using canestan with hydrocortisone for some time. Happily we can discuss anything

Yep - agreed mrsmopp, especially on discussions like this one!

I agree, iam64, as i could never talk about this with any of my friends.
A very difficult topic to raise.
Thank heavens for the anonymity of GN, where you can say almost anything, because nobody knows who you are!

GrandmaH - Replens helps moisturise the whole area, including the anal area. it's such a relief but like others, I've found it one of the most unpleasant and usually unknown/not talked about, things about getting older.

I suffered for months before I saw my GP- who was horrified I had waited -in pain- so long. The first application of 1% Hydrocortisan cream helped so much & it finally cleared it up immediately. However- it does come back so I just use cream sparingly when it does.

It is only external & also affect anal area so not sure Replens would help but I'll give it a go as I don't like using steroid too often.

I'm coming back as a man next time- or a much loved cat!

Firstly I would advise against using biological washing powder for undies as it can definitely exacerbate the symptoms.
Secondly, always get these symptoms checked out as it could be more serious. I have had Lichen Sclerosis for donkeys years and it has turned cancerous, more than once, resulting in major surgery. Not wanting to scare anyone, but it can be too easy to dismiss symptoms as ageing or the menopause. If you don't want to see your GP, you can attend a walk in at the hospital GUM clinic. They sorted me out. Better safe than sorry.

Good news Coolgran. I will just mention that if you are using the Replens, read the leaflet that comes with it. Using Replens regularly sometimes results in dead cells being washed out (white stuff). Can be a bit of a shock if you are not expecting it. The effect wears off with regular use. I cannot tell you what a difference it made to me. I rarely experience any discomfort now.

ethelbags1 it is good to have such a thread so that even those who don't suffer are aware of vaginal atrophy or thinning of tissues and know there is help. If I had read a thread like this when I started having problems it woul have saved me months of discomfort and stress. I had never realised this could happen.

Iam I agree with your comments about HRT solving lots of the problems but although I am off it now, the VA started while I was still taking it (sorry I might have posted this on the wrong thread. There are two running at the moment one on thinning and one on VA which I think are similar and I have both)

Yipeeeeee indeed. That is good news Coolgran.

Third day of taking the matter in hand......So to speak...

Using Replens, cortisone under prescription, no soap - And I think I notice a difference. Just realised I don't have quite the same discomfort today. Yippeeeee

yes to no detergent when washing undies and yes to no soap when washing underparts.

Thank goodness managed to escape this so far!
Waitrose Baby Butter great for any sort of sore skin, dry skin, rashes, sunburn etc. tiny bit goes far and very reasonable price.

Oh dear I feel ill just reading the sort of stuff that may happen to me in the future. Im glad I don't have a partner to cause me embarrasment

Lam 64 - I used to buy Vagifem off the internet - I had it on prescription in UK but it's not available in France. It was sent from a company in New Zealand.
But some time last year they started to ask you to provide a proper prescription from your doctor, which had to be scanned and sent with the order. I think there was a worldwide clampdown on buying drugs on the internet.
Anyway I now have a french product from my doctor which seems to be an effective alternative.

Coolgran I have just seen the end of your post about my AV being "stable". What I meant was that the couple of times a week of the vagifem which are now 10micrograms instead of 30 seem to keep it at bay. It's when its OK I tend to forget to use the pessaries and then start to notice.

crafting and others. The discomfort of even sitting down and the urgent need to pee was awful.

Loved your post Iam64! Fab illicit group who took responsibility for their hormones! I am 65 and just been put on HRT by a private gynaecologist as was getting suicidal with my symptoms which I'd been suffering with for 12 years. It's certainly helped with vaginal atrophy.

Now that I'm older I have to avoid all sorts of creams, cosmetics, hair colourants., et., I stick with Baby Cream. I have to have dry cuts at the hairdressers cos I'm allergic to shampoos and hair sprays.

Only use water "down below". and always wear cotton underwear.

Coolgran A number of people can get an allergy to lanolin, so if you are putting on dry skin it could make it worse, its worth being aware of. You might not have problem with it.

allergies.about.com/od/fa1/f/moisturizercd.htm

I used Fairy for my laundry for a while but once everything was more under control went back to just using non-bio products on a hot wash. My machine has an extra rinse programme and I also use that.

nellie do you mention lanolin as something to be avoided?
crafting you mention knickers. I think I'll put all my knickers through a hot wash without detergent.

Does anyone use anything in particular to launder smalls. To avoid the chemicals.

Great advice throughout this thread, and the previous thread.

It's a good job this has been aired on here again. It might mean others with difficulties can get some good advice and feel encouraged to talk about these difficulties.