Running a support group for people living with Lichen Sclerosus I come across a lot of posts regarding alternate medicine. Whilst some of these suggestions may help to alleviate symptoms some are very dangerous.
Borax is one of the more dangerous claims, not just in my group but across the internet. Many claim that Borax 'cures' Lichen Sclerosus.
BORAX DOES NOT CURE LICHEN SCLEROSUS!
"Borax is a component of many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. It is used to make buffer solutions in biochemistry, as a fire retardant, as an anti-fungal compound, in the manufacture of fiberglass, as a flux in metallurgy, neutron-capture shields for radioactive sources, a texturing agent in cooking, as a precursor for other boron compounds, and along with its inverse, boric acid, is useful as an insecticide"
So knowing this information why would we put it on our already delicate skin?
The simple answer is we shouldn't.
This is backed up by The British Association of Dermatologists and The British Skin Foundation who posted warnings against it after I contacted them with my concerns. To see their statuses on its use with Lichen Sclerosus, please see the links above.
So please don't be fooled into thinking Borax is a cure as it has no medical research to prove the effects on Lichen Sclerosus and there is certainly no medical evidence to suggest it keeps Vulval cancer from developing. Stick to the medically proved treatments of steroids and if you wish to try alternate medicines, use alongside the steroid creams. Essential oils are fine, diet can help alleviate symptoms if you know what food triggers a flare up.
At this point in time, all we can do is help alleviate and control the symptoms. There is no cure unfortunately.
Borax is one of the more dangerous claims, not just in my group but across the internet. Many claim that Borax 'cures' Lichen Sclerosus.
BORAX DOES NOT CURE LICHEN SCLEROSUS!
"Borax is a component of many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. It is used to make buffer solutions in biochemistry, as a fire retardant, as an anti-fungal compound, in the manufacture of fiberglass, as a flux in metallurgy, neutron-capture shields for radioactive sources, a texturing agent in cooking, as a precursor for other boron compounds, and along with its inverse, boric acid, is useful as an insecticide"
So knowing this information why would we put it on our already delicate skin?
The simple answer is we shouldn't.
This is backed up by The British Association of Dermatologists and The British Skin Foundation who posted warnings against it after I contacted them with my concerns. To see their statuses on its use with Lichen Sclerosus, please see the links above.
So please don't be fooled into thinking Borax is a cure as it has no medical research to prove the effects on Lichen Sclerosus and there is certainly no medical evidence to suggest it keeps Vulval cancer from developing. Stick to the medically proved treatments of steroids and if you wish to try alternate medicines, use alongside the steroid creams. Essential oils are fine, diet can help alleviate symptoms if you know what food triggers a flare up.
At this point in time, all we can do is help alleviate and control the symptoms. There is no cure unfortunately.
