3 Ways to Support Your Lichen Sclerosus (That Go Beyond the Skin)

If you are in this space because you live with lichen sclerosus (LS), I see you - and you are not alone. I've lived with LS my entire adult life, and the journey can feel challenging, confusing, and quite frankly, sometimes lonely. But over the years, I continue to learn more about my body and my LS, and through this - I also fall more in love with my body.

Today, I am sharing 3 ways I personally support my lichen sclerosus. As always in this space, take what resonates, leave the rest. Because with a contion like LS, many of us notice that it's not just about the vulva itself - it's connected to your whole being.

1. Shift How You Relate to the Condition (Lichen Sclerosus Support Starts Here)

I’ve never looked at myself as “sick” because of LS.

To me, it’s an inflammatory skin condition - something my body is navigating, not something that defines me.

I truly believe that the way we speak about our body, and the condition/s we may live with, matters. It shapes how we feel, how we show up, and how we care for ourselves.

This isn’t about minimizing the experience of LS - it can bring a range of different emotions and experiences. But instead, it's about gently exploring how you perceive yourself within it.

If this perspective doesn’t resonate, you might explore the idea of “dis-ease” - a state where the body isn’t at ease.

And then ask: How can I support more ease in my body today?

2. Let Your Vulva Breathe (Yes, Really)

This one can feel a bit uncomfortable at first - especially if your relationship with your body is, or has been, complicated.

But there are a few reasons this can be supportive:

1. Airflow & comfort Letting your vulva breathe can reduce irritation. If being naked doesn’t feel accessible, try:

• a robe

• a loose skirt

• sleeping without underwear

2. Supporting your treatments After applying moisturizers or prescribed treatments, giving your skin time without friction can help absorption.

Some people (myself included) notice increased irritation when applying creams and immediately putting on tight underwear.

3. Rebuilding your relationship with your body Your vulva exists, and it's beautiful no matter what it looks like.

And it’s worthy of care - exactly as it is. But perhaps you've been influenced by society and what it "should" look like - instead, start to get used to what yours look like, and send it some loving words along the way.

3. Practice Pelvic Floor Yoga

Around 2/3 of my online students live with lichen sclerosus.

Many come in looking to manage stress, and often notice shifts not just mentally, but physically as well.

Here’s why this matters:

• Stress & LS Stress can play a role in flare-ups and symptom intensity. Practices like yoga, breathwork, and meditation support nervous system regulation - helping you move into a calmer and more regulated state.

• Pelvic floor tension Many people with LS also experience overactive (hypertonic) pelvic floor muscles.

When these muscles are constantly holding tension, it can:

• reduce blood flow

• increase sensitivity

• contribute to ongoing pain

Gentle movement can help support:

• circulation

• tissue health

• relaxation of the pelvic floor

If you experience pain but have been told your skin “looks fine,” it might be worth exploring the role of your pelvic floor.

Working with a pelvic physio, or incorporating pelvic floor yoga, can be incredibly supportive.

A Gentle Invitation to Zoom Out From the Vulva

Every day, I make small, conscious decisions to support my LS.

As I’m writing this, I’m in comfy clothes, I have a bottle of water close by, and just finished a breathwork session to get myself into a space where I can show up for others and offer support. LS affects us so much more than just physically, what happens if you zoom out from your vulva and look at how you are supporting your entire self? What would you change? How can you make this journey more supportive?

Your Next Step

If you’re not sure where to start, here are two options:

Download the free Pelvic Relief Bingo Card A simple, cozy way to build supportive habits

Join the Pelvic Health Yoga membership Weekly classes with pelvic floor yoga, breathwork, and myofascial release — designed for people living with pelvic tension, pain, and conditions like LS

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Move, release & connect with others.

Stay radiant, Penny