Lichen schlerosus & HPV

Hi there. I am new to this forum. Just diagnosed with LS. I have been suffering VIN lesions (white patches) caused by high risk HPV for some time now, which were treated by co2 laser. However, when the last lesion appeared I opted for the cream instead. During treatment I noticed a new white patch. I first thought it could be a new hpv-related lesion, so applied cream there too but lesion did not go away. Well, one month after finishing treatment the itch got worse, went to doc, biopsy came back positive for LS. Great. Now I have two risk factors for vulva cancer: hpv and LS. I have been offered steroid cream. However, I do not want it. I have been reading that it may worsen the HPV infection and I may get more lesions. Anyone having both conditions? What treatment to go for for LS? I am stuck.

I don't know if it may be related to the LS developing, but my skin is pale, type I do not ever get suntanned, unable. I get freckles instead. Not red head but not dark hair colour. Green eyes. One doc also told me about the chance of getting LS at age 65 due to my physical traits (I am not even 40). I came to the conclusion my skin could be my risk factor as to why hpv affects me that badly (on vulva, not usual location, short after ral sx and not being immunocompromised or having any previous illness). I read about a gene variation which makes some people get freckles which could pose a higher risk for skin cancer. Can anyone relate?

Thanks for sharing your stories. Reading you makes me feel understood. Be strong!!!

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