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Lichen planus is a recurrent
rash due to inflammation of the skin. The rash is characterized by small,
flat-topped, many-sided, polygonal bumps that can grow together into rough,
scaly patches on the skin. There may also be a rash in the mucous membranes of
the mouth or vagina. Lichen planus is a skin condition, in which the effects are
localized to the areas of involvement. (Lichen refers to a tree moss while
planus is Latin for flat = like a flat tree moss.)
The major point of
distinction of lichen planus from eczema, psoriasis, and other common rashes is
its color -- lilac or violet. The textbooks call it "violaceous." Lichen planus
itches with an intensity that varies in different people from mild to severe.
The onset of lichen planus can be sudden or gradual. The first attack may last
for weeks or months, and recurrences may happen for years. Children are not
often affected by lichen planus. The bumps at first are 2 to 4 mm in diameter,
with angular borders, and a violaceous color. At the onset of the disease, new
bumps may appear at sites of minor skin injury, such as a superficial scratch.
Hyperpigmentation may develop in the affected skin as the lesions persist.
Rarely, a patchy scarring balding (loss of hair) of the scalp occurs. The
appearance of lichen planus depends on whether the skin or the mucous membranes
inside the mouth or vagina is affected: The usual skin involvement with lichen
planus consists of flat-topped lilac or violet spots a few millimeters in
diameter on the skin. These spots tend to be located on the inner wrists,
forearms, the lower legs just above the ankles, and the lower part of the back.
A variant of this disease is called hypertrophic lichen planus. This condition
appears as thick, reddish-brown lesions that are covered with scales. These
spots tend to be on the shins, but they can occur anywhere on the body. This is
an especially itchy and chronic variety of lichen planus. Lichen planus of the
mucous membranes is common. About half of the people affected with lichen planus
have the rash inside of their mouths. The oral rash often occurs prior to any
skin involvement. More troublesome, although rare, is erosive lichen planus,
which can be quite sore and uncomfortable. This erosive form typically causes
the patient to complain of the shallow and often quite painful, recurrent ulcers
in the mouth. Lichen planus can affect the female genitals, including the
vagina. This condition can be confused with sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs), although lichen planus is neither sexually transmitted nor contagious.
Sometimes, lichen planus produces pits and grooves in the nails as well.
Usually, lichen planus is relatively easy to diagnose. Physicians can
make the diagnosis in typical cases simply by looking at the rash. If necessary,
a skin biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis. Under the microscope, lichen
planus is distinctive in appearance. This tell-tale appearance under the
microscope can be valuable in ensuring that the rash or spots are lichen planus.
Persistent oral or vaginal lichen planus, with spots that thicken and grow
together, can sometimes be difficult to distinguish clinically from whitish
precancerous plaques called leukoplakia. A biopsy can be helpful in this
situation. Widespread lichen planus with erosions in the mouth can also be
confusing. A biopsy may be required to distinguish this from other conditions
such as candidiasis, cancer, and ulcers in the mouth.
In most cases, the
cause of lichen planus is unknown. Some drugs, such as those containing arsenic,
bismuth, or gold can cause a reaction that is indistinguishable from the rash of
lichen planus. Exposure to certain chemicals used in the development of color
photographs can also produce a similar rash. The long-term use of the drugs
quinacrine or quinidine used for malaria, may produce hypertrophic lichen planus
of the lower legs and other skin and systemic disturbances. Other unusual causes
of lichen planus include liver disease and what is called graft-versus-host
disease in people who have received a transplant.
The average duration
of the condition is 4 years. Even after going away, lichen planus may recur. The
disease is thus paradoxical in that it tends to be self-limiting but may recur
after years. It is usually not associated with any systemic diseases or
problems.
Lichen planus of the skin is generally noncancerous (benign).
It may clear up with treatment but can persist for months to years. People with
long-term lesions of the mucous membranes are at greater risk of squamous cell
carcinoma — a form of skin cancer. In these cases, a doctor may advise regular
examinations to monitor any changes in the skin. It's also important to stop any
tobacco use because tobacco raises your risk of squamous cell
carcinoma.
If you have lichen planus of the mucous membranes, treatment
is often challenging and may take years. Measures that may help reduce the
itching and inflammation caused by lichen planus are:
Role of Homeopathy in Lichen
Planus:
Homeopathy has proved its efficacy in cases of lichen planus
in more then 90% of cases. Homeopathy works very deep in removing the illness
from the root. The necessary immunological corrections required for controlling
the inflammation of skin is achieved in homeopathy with safe and effective
homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic treatment of lichen planus ensures that you
are saved from side effects of long term use of local and oral steroids
prescribed routinely in this illness to get relief in itching and pain. You
don’t have to take steroids and force your self face side effects. This way you
increase your suffering rather then getting relief. We have strong experiences
of treating lichen planus with success rate of 90%. Homeopathy gives long term
relief in extensive cases of lichen planus which are very chronic and of long
duration. The treatment course depends on the duration of illness; other
treatment that is used so far in the illness, main concern is the period for
which steroids are used by the patient. The use of steroids in past reduces the
curability of patients with homeopathic remedies.
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