Lichen Planus
What is Lichen Planus?
Lichen planus (LP) is a disease characterized by itchy reddish-purple polygon-shaped skin lesions on the lower back, wrists, and ankles. It may also present with a burning sensation in the mouth, and a lattice-like network of white lines near sites of erosion (Wickham striae). The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of an autoimmune process with an unknown initial trigger. There is no cure, but many different medications and procedures have been used in efforts to control the symptoms.
Lichen planus (LP) is a disease characterized by itchy reddish-purple polygon-shaped skin lesions on the lower back, wrists, and ankles. It may also present with a burning sensation in the mouth, and a lattice-like network of white lines near sites of erosion (Wickham striae). The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of an autoimmune process with an unknown initial trigger. There is no cure, but many different medications and procedures have been used in efforts to control the symptoms.
Pattern
Lichen planus lesions can occur in many different forms:
Lichen planus lesions can occur in many different forms:
- Annular
- Linear
- Hypertrophic
- Atrophic
- Bullous
- Ulcerative
- Pigmented
Signs and symptoms
Although lichen planus can present with a variety of lesions, the most common presentation is as a well defined area of purple-coloured, itchy, flat-topped papules with interspersed lacy white lines (Wickham's striae). This description is known as the characteristic "6 Ps" of lichen planus: planar (flat-topped), purple, polygonal, pruritic, papules, and plaques.
This rash, after regressing, is likely to leave an area of hyper-pigmentation that slowly fades. That said, a variety of other lesions can also occur.
Lichen planus involving the nails
Variants of cutaneous lichen planus are distinguished based upon the appearance of the lesions and/or their distribution.
Lesions can affect the extremities (face, dorsal hands, arms, and nape of neck). This is more common in Middle Eastern countries in spring and summer, where sunlight appears to have a precipitating effect.
This rash, after regressing, is likely to leave an area of hyper-pigmentation that slowly fades. That said, a variety of other lesions can also occur.
Lichen planus involving the nails
Variants of cutaneous lichen planus are distinguished based upon the appearance of the lesions and/or their distribution.
Lesions can affect the extremities (face, dorsal hands, arms, and nape of neck). This is more common in Middle Eastern countries in spring and summer, where sunlight appears to have a precipitating effect.
- Nails
- Palms and soles
- Hair and Scalp
Other variants may include:
Lichen planus on the lips and the lateral border of the tongue
Lichen planus affecting mucosal surfaces may have one lesion or be multifocal. Examples of lichen planus affecting mucosal surfaces include:
Esophageal lichen planus, affecting the esophageal mucosa. This can present with difficulty or pain when swallowing due to oesophageal inflammation, or as the development of an esophageal stricture. It has also been hypothesized that it is a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
- Lichen planus pemphigoides characterized by the development of tense blisters atop lesions of lichen planus or the development vesicles de novo on uninvolved skin.
- Keratosis lichenoides chronica (also known as "Nekam's disease") is a rare dermatosis characterized by violaceous papular and nodular lesions, often arranged in a linear or reticulate pattern on the dorsal hands and feet, extremities, and buttock, and some cases manifest by sorrheic dermatitis-like eruption on the scalp and face;
- Also Palmo Plantar Keratosis has been reported. … (also known as "Benign lichenoid keratosis," and "Solitary lichen planus") is a cutaneous condition characterized by brown to red scaling maculopapules, found on sun-exposed skin of extremities. Restated, this is a cutaneous condition usually characterized by a solitary dusky-red to violaceous papular skin lesion.
- Lichenoid dermatitis represents a wide range of cutaneous disorders characterized by lichen planus-like skin lesions.
- Mucosal lichen planus
Lichen planus on the lips and the lateral border of the tongue
Lichen planus affecting mucosal surfaces may have one lesion or be multifocal. Examples of lichen planus affecting mucosal surfaces include:
Esophageal lichen planus, affecting the esophageal mucosa. This can present with difficulty or pain when swallowing due to oesophageal inflammation, or as the development of an esophageal stricture. It has also been hypothesized that it is a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
- Genital lichen planus
- Oral lichen planus
Oral lichen planus (also termed oral mucosal lichen planus), is a form of mucosal lichen planus, where lichen planus involves the oral mucosa, the lining of the mouth. This may occur in combination with other variants of lichen planus.
Six clinical forms of oral lichen planus are recognized:
- Reticular, the most common presentation of oral lichen planus, is characterised by the net-like or spider web-like appearance of lacy white lines, oral variants of Wickham's straiae. This is usually asymptomatic.
- Erosive/ulcerative, the second most common form of oral lichen planus, is characterised by oral ulcers presenting with persistent, irregular areas of redness, ulcerations and erosions covered with a yellow slough. This can occur in one or more areas of the mouth. In 25% of people with erosive oral lichen planus, the gums are involved, described as desquamative gingivitis (a condition not unique to lichen planus). This may be the initial or only sign of the condition.
- Papular, with white papules.
- Plaque-like appearing as a white patch which may resemble leukoplakia.
- Atrophic, appearing as areas. Atrophic oral lichen planus may also manifest as desquamative gingivitis.
- Bullous, appearing as fluid-filled vesicles which project from the surface.
These types often coexist in the same individual. Oral lichen planus tends to present bilaterally as mostly white lesions on the inner cheek, although any mucosal site in the mouth may be involved. Other sites, in decreasing order of frequency, may include the tongue, lips, gingivae, floor of the mouth, and very rarely, the palate.
Generally, oral lichen planus tends not to cause any discomfort or pain, although some people may experience soreness when eating or drinking acidic or spicy foodstuffs or beverages. When symptoms arise, they are most commonly associated with the atrophic and ulcerative subtypes. These symptoms can include a burning sensation to severe pain. Lichen planus, particularly when concomitant oral or genital lesions occur, significantly affects patients’ quality of life.
Homeopathic Treatment of Lichen Planus
The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing of the skin lesions due to lichen planus.
Before delving into homeopathic treatment let us first discuss the conventional or allopathic treatment available.
Allopathy or conventional medicine offers a range of options which include:
Cortisone is the most commonly prescibed medicine but unfortunately, it is not the curative medicine. The problem with the use of cortisone is that it gives temporarily relief, as long as you use it. Another problem is that the disease comes back after stopping cortisone and resurfaced diseases are most difficult to handle then when it started, as it becomes resistant.
Patient's awareness about this fact and active cooperation helps us to overcome the crisis and treat the disease. Use of cortisone makes the lichen planus more resistant. Cortisone can even increase lichen planus in some cases.
Cortisone, being an immunosuppresive therapy, suppresses lichen planus lesions for some time without curing it. As a result, some eruptions get better after using cortisone, but more eruptions may appear elsewhere.
Homeopathy offers research proven and highly effective treatment for lichen planus which has been scientifically documented. Contrary to the allopathic treatment which is governed by the use of cortison or steroids, homeopathic treatment is extremely safe and long lasting.
The treatment is based on the individual case study of the patient's disease, its causes, its spread, the area affected, the genetic pattern, mindset and so on. The medicines thus designed are addressed towards correcting the immunity.
The duration of treatment varies from case to case depending on the following factors:
Duration of lichen planus.
Area affected (skin, mouth, genitals, nails, scalp).
Extent of spread (only skin or only mouth or skin with mouth and so on).
General health and associated diseases.
Lichen planus is a chronic disease, will require a long and planned treatment. There is no short cut.
Why homeopathy?
There are over 60 homoeopathy remedies which give great relief in lichen planus. However, the correct choice and the resulting relief is a matter of great experience and right judgment on the part of your Doctor, Dr. Mansi. The treatment is decided after thorough case taking of the patient. Thus medicines are specially designed for a particular patient unlike allopathy.
Homeopathy offers research proven and highly effective treatment for lichen planus which has been scientifically documented. Contrary to the allopathic treatment which is governed by the use of cortison or steroids, homeopathic treatment is extremely safe and long lasting.
The treatment is based on the individual case study of the patient's disease, its causes, its spread, the area affected, the genetic pattern, mindset and so on. The medicines thus designed are addressed towards correcting the immunity.
The duration of treatment varies from case to case depending on the following factors:
Homeopathic Remedies for Lichen Planus
Following are the Best Homeopathic remedies for Lichen Planus:
The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing of the skin lesions due to lichen planus.
Before delving into homeopathic treatment let us first discuss the conventional or allopathic treatment available.
Allopathy or conventional medicine offers a range of options which include:
- Antihistamines.
- Lidocaine mouth washes which may numb the area temporarily and make eating more comfortable in oral lichen planus.
- Topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress immune response.
- Topical retinoic acid cream and other ointments or creams are prescribed to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Occlusive dressings may be placed over topical medications to protect the skin from scratching.
- Ultraviolet therapy.
Cortisone is the most commonly prescibed medicine but unfortunately, it is not the curative medicine. The problem with the use of cortisone is that it gives temporarily relief, as long as you use it. Another problem is that the disease comes back after stopping cortisone and resurfaced diseases are most difficult to handle then when it started, as it becomes resistant.
Patient's awareness about this fact and active cooperation helps us to overcome the crisis and treat the disease. Use of cortisone makes the lichen planus more resistant. Cortisone can even increase lichen planus in some cases.
Cortisone, being an immunosuppresive therapy, suppresses lichen planus lesions for some time without curing it. As a result, some eruptions get better after using cortisone, but more eruptions may appear elsewhere.
Homeopathy offers research proven and highly effective treatment for lichen planus which has been scientifically documented. Contrary to the allopathic treatment which is governed by the use of cortison or steroids, homeopathic treatment is extremely safe and long lasting.
The treatment is based on the individual case study of the patient's disease, its causes, its spread, the area affected, the genetic pattern, mindset and so on. The medicines thus designed are addressed towards correcting the immunity.
The duration of treatment varies from case to case depending on the following factors:
Duration of lichen planus.
Area affected (skin, mouth, genitals, nails, scalp).
Extent of spread (only skin or only mouth or skin with mouth and so on).
General health and associated diseases.
Lichen planus is a chronic disease, will require a long and planned treatment. There is no short cut.
Why homeopathy?
- It offers excellent treatment which has a success rate of over 85%.
- It corrects the altered immune system hence gives deep level healing.
- It offers long lasting cure.
- It is absolutely harmless, safe and non-toxic.
There are over 60 homoeopathy remedies which give great relief in lichen planus. However, the correct choice and the resulting relief is a matter of great experience and right judgment on the part of your Doctor, Dr. Mansi. The treatment is decided after thorough case taking of the patient. Thus medicines are specially designed for a particular patient unlike allopathy.
Homeopathy offers research proven and highly effective treatment for lichen planus which has been scientifically documented. Contrary to the allopathic treatment which is governed by the use of cortison or steroids, homeopathic treatment is extremely safe and long lasting.
The treatment is based on the individual case study of the patient's disease, its causes, its spread, the area affected, the genetic pattern, mindset and so on. The medicines thus designed are addressed towards correcting the immunity.
The duration of treatment varies from case to case depending on the following factors:
- Duration of lichen planus.
- Area affected (skin, mouth, genitals, nails, scalp).
- Extent of spread (only skin or only mouth or skin with mouth and so on).
- General health and associated diseases.
Homeopathic Remedies for Lichen Planus
Following are the Best Homeopathic remedies for Lichen Planus:
Sulphur is the most efficient and widely used natural Homeopathic medicine to treat various kinds of skin disorders. It is also of great help in the treatment of Lichen Planus. Cutaneous Lichen Planus patients with papules and extreme skin dryness, respond very well to Sulphur. The skin is very dirty and unhealthy in persons needing Sulphur. Extreme itching in the eruptions is best treated by this Homeopathic remedy. Most patients needing Sulphur complain of worsening of itching towards night time and when getting warm in bed. Scratching is also marked and provides some relief from itching. In most persons, a burning sensation follows scratching. Frequent increase in eruptions is also seen in persons who can benefit from Homeopathic remedy Sulphur. Most attacks are in spring season. Along with these symptoms, a marked burning in palms and soles is a characteristic symptom for using Sulphur. The patient may also have an increased craving for sweets. thus Sulphur ranks among the top homeopathic remedies for Lichen Planus |
Homeopathic medicine Merc Sol is one of the top natural homeopathic remedies for Lichen Planus. Merc Sol is the ideal Homeopathic remedy when the main complaint given by the patient is irregular ulcers inside the cheeks. The edges are not well defined. The cheeks give a very unhealthy and dirty appearance. In addition to these ulcers, there are a few characteristic symptoms that need to be considered. The first symptom is increased saliva in the mouth. The second is highly offensive odour from the mouth. When these two symptoms are present in addition to the ulcers, then Homeopathic medicine Merc Sol provides a very beneficial treatment. Along with these symptoms, a few patients also feela metallic taste in mouth. An increased thirst for water may also be present for using Homeopathic remedy Merc Sol. . Merc sol Ranks among the top homeopathic remedies for lichen planus when oral cavity is involved |
Among the bunch of natural Homeopathic remedies for Lichen Planus, Borax is most often used for Oral lichen. Patients who really benefit from Borax have ulcers inside the cheeks and on tongue. In contrast to Merc Sol, Homeopathic remedy Borax works well when the mouth remains extremely dry. A bitter taste in mouth may be present. Excessive heat in mouth is a marked symptom to be taken note of. |
Sulphur Iod is considered the best natural Homeopathic medicine for Lichen Planus of face and well as arms. The face and arms are covered with papular eruptions, with constant itching. Sulphur Lod holds a great promise in curing the face and arm from Lichen Planus. |
A natural Homeopathic medicine that gives wonderful results in the treatment of Lichen Planus is Thuja. Thuja proves to be ideal Homeopathic treatment for Lichen Planus of pigmented variety. The patient has hyper-pigmented brown-coloured spots. The spots are marked on the face, hands and arms |
Anthrakokali is a very rare natural Homeopathic medicine that can help a number of Lichen Planus patients. Being rare does not mean that this natural remedy has a less powerful effect than other well known Homeopathic medicines. Anthrakokali shows its effect when papular eruptions are prominently present on hands and feet. The papules may also cover scrotum in males. Intense itching in the papular eruptions is always present. This medicine also gives good results in the Lichen Planus cases where the dominant site is skin over tibia (a bone in front of the leg). |
Homeopathy improves immunity & self-defence mechanism of body. Also it reduces frequency and severity of Lichen Planus. Moreover there are no side effects with Homeopathy.
There are 60 plus medicines for Lichen Planus.
There are 60 plus medicines for Lichen Planus.
Bibliography:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/lichen-planus
http://homeopathictreatment4u.com/lichenplanus.html
https://www.drhomeo.com/lichen/homeopathic-remedies-for-lichen-planus-treatment/
https://www.welcomecure.com/diseases/lichen-planus/homeopathic-treatment
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-lichen-planus#1
http://treatment.hpathy.com/homeo-medicine/homeopathy-lichen-planus/
http://www.medicinenet.com/lichen_planus/article.htm
New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/lichen-planus
http://homeopathictreatment4u.com/lichenplanus.html
https://www.drhomeo.com/lichen/homeopathic-remedies-for-lichen-planus-treatment/
https://www.welcomecure.com/diseases/lichen-planus/homeopathic-treatment
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-lichen-planus#1
http://treatment.hpathy.com/homeo-medicine/homeopathy-lichen-planus/
http://www.medicinenet.com/lichen_planus/article.htm
New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain