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Alternative Treatments and Complementary Therapies - what is the difference?

Complementary and alternative are terms used to describe nonconventional approaches to medicine and healing.
Complementary and alternative are two different approaches:
Complementary medicine is any form of therapy used in combination with other alternative treatments or standard/conventional medicine. Complementary therapy is usually about relieving symptoms and improve quality of life. Be cautious about any practitioner who says they can cure something that a conventional medical body says is 'incurable'.
Alternative medicine is used alone, without recommended standard treatment.
Some people use complementary treatments to relieve symptoms or side effects while undergoing standard/conventional treatment. Standard/conventional medicine refers to medical treatments that have been scientifically tested and found to be safe and effective. The standard/conventional treatments have usually been approved by a government department or medical body or organisation.
You may decide to pursue either complementary or alternative therapy. It is highly recommended that you consult your conventional physician before beginning any treatment regime, as these treatments are not scientifically tested or proven.

What does Holistic mean?
Holistic means dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part. A good therapist will usually want to take account of all your health conditions and not just the one you are seeking help for. The therapist usually looks at the 'whole' person. Both alternative and complementary therapies can be holistic.

Bear in mind that lichen sclerosus is an auto-immune related condition and therefore complex in nature.

NLSSG receives many requests to give information and recommendations for alternative treatments for the symptoms of lichen sclerosus. It is not possible for NLSSG to recommend or endorse the use of alternative treatments and remedies. In general, not everyone will respond to the same conventional medical treatment and this will apply to alternative/holistic remedies as well. Those wishing to try alternative treatments should, at all times, consult a qualified alternative practitioner and advise their GP or consultant of their intention to pursue alternative treatments. This is very important as some of the ingredients in alternative treatments may not be compatible with other conventional prescriptions you may be using. Self treating with over the counter products, with no prior consultation with a qualified holistic practioner is not advisable. It is not recommended that you give up your prescribed treatment provided by your health care professional, always consult your medical adviser before making any changes to your treatment. NLSSG is a support and self help group. Whilst information may be given from time to time about various things other sufferers have found helpful, NLSSG takes no responsibility or liability for any treatments you decide to undertake, this is done entirely at your own risk.A well trained alternative/complementary/holistic therapist will not usually tell you to give up your conventional treatment and caution is advised.

There have been some patient contacts who have shared their stories with NLSSG regarding the use of complementary medicine. Success in releiving symptoms has been reported where both the conventional doctor and the holistic therapist have worked together with the patient.

There is no particular product, conventional or alternative/holistic, that will suit every case and provide an instant answer on a general basis. If you are considering seeking alternative treatments for your symptoms, you should be aware that it may take several months for any relief or improvement to be apparent.

There is a variety of creams and ointments available through the NHS (conventional treatment) that can be helpful in relieving symptoms and your consultant can review your current treatment if this is not providing relief. At the time of publishing this item, Dermovate ointment remains the treatment of choice for lichen sclerosus. Some other topical steroid creams are also used depending on the individual case.

There is a lot that can be done to relieve the symptoms of lichen sclerosus but it may be necessary to be persistent and to persevere in order to find the most effective treatment for your own individual needs.

Links to web sites

http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/ - UK site for homeopathy - homeopathic pharmacies and more
http://www.homeopathyhome.com/directory/uk/hospitals.shtml - UK site for homeopathic hospitals
http://www.nimh.org.uk/ - UK organisation of Medical Herbalists
http://www.i-c-m.org.uk/ - Institute of Complementary Medicine - UK - good explanations of types of complementary therapies
http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/ - British Acupuncture Council