how safe is methotrexate in the treatment of lichen sclerosus?. I am 71yrs old and the problem has escalated over 12months

I have had no treatment so far except for various cortisone cream, thrush treatments etc for vaginal and vulva swelling, itching and bleeding before the condition was diagnosed by biopsy a week ago I have much less vaginal trouble now unless I wear pantihose or close-fitting pants, but I now have plaques or areas of tight leathery skin in several parts of my body, and one of which seems to be becoming infected. I have been advised by the dermatologist who finally saw me last week that his treatment of choice for control (not cure) would be methotrexate. I would prefer not to use this drug. Do you have any suggestions L.S. from Australia