Episode Description:

Welcome to the Lichen Sclerosus Podcast brought to you by the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network. I'm your host, Kathy, and today we’re excited to bring you a conversation with an amazing researcher, Leia Mitchell. If you’ve listened before, you might recognize her from past episodes. This time, we’re diving into a new possible treatment for Lichen Sclerosus.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Insights into two groundbreaking studies on silicone-based treatments for Lichen Sclerosus.
• The science behind silicone’s effects on collagen production and skin rejuvenation.
• What makes this new treatment non-steroidal and why that matters.
• Eligibility requirements and what participation in the study entails.

Special Guest:

Meet Leia Mitchell, a passionate and knowledgeable physician assistant with extensive experience in Lichen Sclerosus treatment and clinical research. Her expertise and dedication make her a valuable voice in the LS space.

Key Moments:

• 1:49 – Discussion of two studies: one completed and one actively recruiting participants in Florida, DC, and NYC.
• 3:35 – Leia explains how silicone aids collagen production and benefits skin conditions, including burn victims.
• 5:21 – Application process: The silicone gel is easy to use—dab and rub gently over affected areas.
• 6:26 – Leia highlights the need for effective LS treatments and shares how she became involved in the study.
• 7:14 – The appeal of non-steroidal treatments and how Leia encountered this promising solution.
• 9:24 – Study requirements: participants must have an active LS diagnosis, abstain from steroids or other topicals, and undergo pre- and post-study biopsies.
• 13:10 – The study is initially limited to five participants, but a larger trial may follow pending positive results.
• 15:09 – Leia shares her excitement for the study’s potential outcomes and outlines the 10-week process, which includes subjective results announced after publication.
• 34:01 – Leia discusses the goal of FDA approval to make the treatment accessible and affordable for patients through insurance coverage.

Connect with Us:

Visit the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network for more resources: lssupportnetwork.org

Get more information on the study at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06662942?cond=stratamgt&rank=2

or email the CVVD at research1.cvvd@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers… trying to figure out why your body feels different… why your treatment isn’t working… or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely… You’re not alone. And more importantly— you’re not the problem. Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this. That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit. This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps. Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like: Why does my treatment stop working? Is this LS progression… or hormonal change? What order should I actually be using my medications? How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin? And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions, where you can hear real questions from people just like you… and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for. This is where the guessing stops. 👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step. P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jill Krapf, a leading expert in vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS), as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in LS care and introduce the Provider Continuous Education Program (PCEP).

Why Provider Education Matters:

• LS is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, leading to years of unnecessary suffering for patients.
• Many healthcare providers lack the knowledge and training to properly diagnose and manage LS.
• The PCEP will equip providers with the tools and resources they need to provide effective, patient-centered LS care.

How the PCEP Will Make a Difference:

• The PCEP will provide comprehensive education on LS, covering diagnosis, treatment, and patient communication.
• It will feature expert-led training by experienced LS specialists.
• It will focus on evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.
• It will create a network of knowledgeable healthcare providers who can support each other and share best practices.

Call to Action:

Support the PCEP and help us transform the future of LS care. Your donation will directly impact the lives of those affected by this often-misunderstood condition.

Donate to LSSN's Campaign: https://lssupportnetwork.org/givingtuesday

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about LSSN's programs and resources: https://lssupportnetwork.org
• Join LSSN's online community: https://lssupportnetwork.org/membership
• Attend LSSN's Giving Tuesday live events: https://lssupportnetwork.org/givingtuesday

Thank you for listening and for your support!

Mentioned in this episode:

Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers… trying to figure out why your body feels different… why your treatment isn’t working… or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely… You’re not alone. And more importantly— you’re not the problem. Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this. That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit. This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps. Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like: Why does my treatment stop working? Is this LS progression… or hormonal change? What order should I actually be using my medications? How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin? And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions, where you can hear real questions from people just like you… and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for. This is where the guessing stops. 👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step. P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

Join us for a special Giving Tuesday episode where we discuss the importance of supporting the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN) and their mission to end the misdiagnosis and suffering caused by lichen sclerosus (LS).

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The challenges of living with LS and the impact of misdiagnosis.
• The importance of patient education and support in managing LS.
• The LSSN Provider Continuous Education Program (PCEP) and how it will improve healthcare provider knowledge and patient care.
• How your donations can help LSSN continue to provide vital resources and support to the LS community.

Support LSSN this Giving Tuesday and help us break the cycle of suffering for people with LS. Your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this often misunderstood condition.

Resources and Links:

• Donate and Attend LSSN's Giving Tuesday Event: https://lssupportnetwork.org/givingtuesday
• Help LSSN raise money without disclosing your diagnosis: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16hoqesjqg_n68QGkGQPHAh0EYrZME1CH0NfVGNMVksQ/copy?usp=sharing
• Learn more about LSSN's programs and resources: https://lssupportnetwork
• Join LSSN's online community: https://lssupportnetwork.org/membership
• Become an LSSN volunteer: https://lssupportnetwork.org/volunteer

Thank you for listening and for your support!

Mentioned in this episode:

Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers… trying to figure out why your body feels different… why your treatment isn’t working… or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely… You’re not alone. And more importantly— you’re not the problem. Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this. That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit. This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps. Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like: Why does my treatment stop working? Is this LS progression… or hormonal change? What order should I actually be using my medications? How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin? And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions, where you can hear real questions from people just like you… and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for. This is where the guessing stops. 👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step. P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.