Linchen sclerosis and HPV

[Yuliya.boroday@gmail.com]

How do you treat LS coexisting with HPV related VIN-1?
My private gynecologist said I have LS and prescribed Lotriderm for a month and then to use as needed.
Dermatologist in NHS tried to convince that I have VA and said that I cannot use steroids as they will turn VIN-1 into cancer. She prescribed Ovestin twice a week.
I have pallor on labia minora and labia majora, shrinking of labia minora and clitoris, pain and itching.

[Dr Nevianna Bordet]

I am sorry to hear that you have had conflicting advice. Some patients have lichen sclerosus and atrophic vaginitis and VIN (vulval intra-epithelial neoplasia) or any combination of these. Using a steroid for you LS will not harm the VIN but the VIN may need to be treated. VIN is usually graded according to severity. The Human papilloma virus (wart virus) knows as HPV is linked to VIN and VIN1 (stage 1 early disease) can actually clear on its own as it may just be viral change, whereas VIN2 or VIN3 usually needs surgery and is sometimes treated with a cream called Imiquimod. Using Oestrogen cream or steroid cream will not have a negative effect on the other conditions but all the conditions need to be treated so that you have no more itch or pain.