Swimming

Swimming. If you have LS, it’s a problem whether you are male or female? Here are some views. Doctors and patients are both influenced by their own personal views. Gynaecologists and genitourinary doctors, in general, are not trained in skin conditions but some may start to specialise. Some do not keep their education up to date, that leads to giving out of date advice. Some play it carefully and advise giving up things that you enjoy doing. For example many are cautious about litigation and will tell you not to swim, or they may think that avoiding everything is the key to coping with symptoms, there are many reasons why but think about asking your doctor why they are giving you this advice. Some Dermatologists will say it is a shame to limit such a healthy activity and they direct not to swim while there are active symptoms, tears, soreness or itch but to get symptoms under control and then swim. This sounds like a common sense approach. Tips: Apply a good barrier cream, ointment, something greasy (remember creams often contain skin irritants) before swimming, shower and rinse well after swimming, avoid staying in your wet swimwear or while sitting on the beach . Apply your favourite moisturiser. Sadly, It is not possible to advise you what kind of pool of spa water will irritate you, like many things associated with lichen sclerosus, it will be a case of trial and error but worth aiming to find out what works for you. Many visitors share that they have no side effects from swimming and they still enjoy an active lifestyle. Good things are possible.