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LS and HPV interaction including medication

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samantha1970
samantha1970

Hi,

i was diagnosed with high risk HPV a couple of years a go through a smear/colposcopy. Due to a number of factors I ended up having a hysterectomy at 42. I'm 44 now but still have my ovaries and the doctors don't think I've yet gone into menopause.

after the hysterectomy the vulva itch/burn/tingle started. It has taken 2-3 years for the doctors to finally listen to me and last January I was diagnosed with LS though a private clinic biopsy. My GP then gave me Dermavate (Clob).

i used the Dermavate for 3 months as prescribed until I finally had an appointment with a dermatologist at the vulva clinic late April. The dermatologist said the Dermavate was activating the HPV as I had developed a wart and that I should not use Dermavate. She changed the medication to Betnovate which is a much weaker cocortisoid. The doctor said to only use the Betnovate when I have symptoms.

ive been using the Betnovate for one month now and my symptoms are getting worse - the white patches are spreading and daily I have the itch/burn/tingle.

Does anyone else have experience with LS and HPV interaction and if so what medication do you use? Have you got your LS under control?

the dermatologist said to come back if I'm using the Betnovate more than 1-2x a week (I was given a 6 month follow up). I've tried this for a month and I have to use the Betnovate daily and stop myself using it more than once as the tingle/burn/itch is there nearly all day and night now.

any experience or thoughts/ideas much appreciated.

thanks!

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Bridge_of_Sighs
    Bridge_of_Sighs samantha1970

    Posted

    Hi Samantha

    This will be a quick reply because I have to rush off.

    I can't help with the HPV side of things, but look at some of the LS posts for advice on helping with the LS discomfort. There's a range of suggestions. Many people get some soothing of symptoms by a rinse or spray after a toilet visit. Either 2 pinches of bicarbonate of soda in a small bottle (I add lavender oil which soothes and smells nice) or Witch Hazel. Then moisturise with coconut oil, 100%aloe vera, Emu oil or any of the other suggestions on the forums. Everyone has a preferred item and it is a matter of finding out what works for you.

    Dermovate is the standard medication, obviously it isn't working for you. I've also heard people saying they use Avantan? fatty ointment with good results but it isn't prescribed often because it's so expensive. (I'm working from memory here, trying to remember some of the things I've read, you might want to trawl some of the older threads). Can you get an appointment with your derm sooner if the Betnovate isn't working?

    Good luck, so sorry you've had to join us

    Bridge

    • samantha1970
      samantha1970 Bridge_of_Sighs

      Posted

      Hi Bridge,

      Thanks for your suggestions. Yes I will experiment with what's best after using the toilet.

      i think Advantan and Betnovate are in the same group of cortisol medications (ie a level down from Dermavate). I've called the dermatologists and have been able to get an appointment for month end. Hopefully the time lapse won't cause too many issues.

      thanks,

      Samantha

  • Chrisy
    Chrisy samantha1970

    Posted

    I had a smear test that showed abnormal cells.  This lead to two colposcopies (biopsies of the cervix) and diagnosis of HPV.  A few years later I was diagnosed with Ls which had been aggravated following the hysterectomy.  No one has ever suggested that the Dermovate was or could cause a problem with the HPV.  I have been treated now for years now with Dermovate, Epaderm, and use manuka honey and coconut oil to ease symptoms without any severe reaction.  You may be different as we all are.  I just thought I would share this so you know you are not alone.  HPV does seem to be common in women with LS.  I do not know if they are connected as HPV is found in about 70-80% of women who are sexually active apparently.  I have never heard of anyone else having this problem with Dermovate affecting the HPV so I would be very interested to hear if others have been told this.  I have today heard of a new treatment called the Mona Lisa Touch.  A possible cure!!!! check it out online. 
    • samantha1970
      samantha1970 Chrisy

      Posted

      Hi Chrisy,

      Google Clobetasol and HPV or human papilloma virus and Google lichen sclerosus and HPV.

      i think the research is all quite new.

      im meeting my Kuwait dermatologist re a laser treatment in September not sure yet if this is the same Mona Lisa.

      I was the same, diagnosed and symptoms post hysterectomy.

      regards,

      Samantha

    • shioban63152
      shioban63152 samantha1970

      Posted

      hi, Samantha. may i ask what was the outcome of the laser treatment? i can relate because i also have hpv (high risk, vin lesions) and LS and i am reluctant to steroid use. thinking of laser or platelet rich plasma...

    • samantha1970
      samantha1970 shioban63152

      Posted

      Hi Shioban, i think it went well at the time. just had a perk this am and no major difference between now and 7 years ago. ie no further loss of architecture.

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