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What is lichen planus? How to manage it? What are the precautions to be taken? What are the signs and symptoms? What is the cause of this disease? How to treat it? How can homeopathy help you? All of this answered, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!

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What is Lichen Planus?

Lichen Planus is an uncommon inflammatory condition of skin, mouth, and genitals. It is thought to be due to abnormal immune reaction provoked by a viral infection or a drug. It is usually presented as a shiny itchy rash, small bumps, pink or purple in color, mouth ulcers or rash, bluish tongue or cheek.

In some cases, patients experience itching and rashes of the urogenital area. Being a chronic skin disease, it tends to last from years in most cases. Lichen planus can affect any area but is most often seen on the front of the wrist, lower back, and ankles. On the palms and soles, the papules are firm and yellow. New lesions may appear while other is clearing.

What Age / Sex is prone to get affected with the Lichen Planus?

Lichen Planus cases are reported between the age group of 30-60 years. It occurs equally in men and women.

What is the Classification of Lichen Planus?

• Hypertrophic Lichen Planus (Lichen planus Verrucosus)- site of onset is extremities, especially on the shin bone.

• Atrophic Lichen Planus– Rare type characterized by plaques with central superficial atrophy.

• Bullous or Vesiculobullous Lichen Planus: This is also a rare type characterized by lichen planus lesions seen along with the vesicles and bullae (Fluid filled lesions).

• Ulcerative Lichen Planus: It presents with chronic, painful bullae (fluid-filled lesions) and ulceration of the lesions.

• Follicular Lichen Planus: It affects hair follicles leading to scarring. Hair loss from affected parts is the main symptom.

• Lichen Planus Actinicus– It affects exposed areas of the face, dorsum of the hand, arms and nape of the neck develop dark, lesions with rolled edges and well-defined borders.

• Lichen Planus Piagmentosus– Characterized by Dark-brown spots develop in sun-exposed areas and folds of the skin.

• Annular Lichen Planus– Commonly involves male genitalia but also has a predilection for folds of skin such as the axilla and groin folds and made by small clusters of lesions.

• Linear Lichen Planus- Development of lesions is in a straight line, usually on extremities. May develop secondary to trauma.

What are the Causes of Lichen Planus?

Cause of lichen planus is unknown. The lesions that appear are a result of inflammation controlled by specific white blood cells known as T lymphocytes. However, it may also be related to an allergic or immune reaction.

What are the Factors that trigger Lichen planus?

• Hepatitis B, C infection.

• Allergens (Allergy causing agents)

• Exposure to Dyes for eg.tattoo pigments.

• Non-steroidal / anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lichen Planus?

Skin: Eruptions of lichen planus mainly on insides of the wrists, ankles, lower back, scalp, ridges in the nails and mucous membrane of nose, mouth, genitals, and anus.

Oral: Painless white streaks located on the side of the tongue or on the inner lining of the cheeks, occasionally located on the gums. Lesions occasionally form painful ulcers.

Other Symptoms:

• Dry mouth

• Hair loss

• The metallic taste of mouth.

Prognosis

Lichen planus is usually not harmful. The condition can be treated with doctors’ advice and treatment based on the diagnosis.

What are the Complications of Lichen Planus?

There is some evidence that lichen planus may increase the risk of certain cancers

• Squamous cell carcinoma.

• Oral cancer

• penile carcinoma

• vulvovaginal cancer.

What Investigations are advised in cases of Lichen Planus?

In most cases, a doctor can diagnose the condition from physical examination of the rash. Skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other conditions. In the case of oral lichen planus, a biopsy of the oral lesions is done to distinguish it from leukoplakia.

What Diet/management is advised in cases of Lichen Planus?

Self-care can help to deal with lichen planus in easier ways:

• Use cool compresses to control itching.

• Keep the skin hydrated (apply oil /moisturizers)

• Trim nails on regular intervals.

• Practice yoga or medication can help to control the stress level

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco products in the case of Oral Lesions.

• Maintain proper oral & dental hygiene.

Treatment

• Medicinal treatment like oral and topical steroids, immuno suppressants, steroid cream or ointment, etc are given as per doctor’s advice and depending on the diagnosis of the individual.

• Non-drug treatment like UVB Narrowband Photo therapy is advised.

What is the commonly indicated Homeopathic treatment for Lichen Planus?

Arsenicum album

Arsenicum Iodatum

Apis

Borax

Carcinosinum

Sulphur

For more information, you can visit AAD and MayoClinic.