Chronic muco-cutaneous disease that affects the skin, tongue, and oral mucosa. The disease presents itself in the form of papules, lesions, or rashes. Lichen Planus lesions develop due to a faulty immune response in which inflammatory cells seem to mistake normal skin cells and attack them. This immune Creaction is probably triggered by a viral infection (Hepatitis C) and common allergens such as drugs and dyes. Emotional stress tends to aggravate the lesions as it influences the immune response.

Beware : STEROIDS are commonly prescribed in the form of local creams or pastes and internally in stubborn cases. Steroids suppress the immune response and offer immediate relief. However, they do not offer long term relief or a cure and are associated with numerous side effects.

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Causes

• Exposure to medications, dyes, and other chemical substances (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinide, phenothiazines, and diuretics)
• Disorders such as hepatitis C
• Lichen planus generally affects middle-aged adults. It is less common in children.

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Types

• Vulval lichen planus

As in the mouth, Lichen Planus may cause painless white streaks. Burning discomfort of the vulva, ulcers, redness and tenderness, painful intercourse, and bleeding on are the presenting symptoms.

• Penile lichen planus

Reddish-Purple papules are the most common form of lichen planus. Coomnly appear around the glans (the tip of the penis). Itching, burning and ulcers may be the presenting symptom.

• Lichen planopilaris

Affects the hair follicles in the form of tiny red papules around a cluster of hairs. Permanently bald patches and scarring may occur.

• Lichen planuspigmentos

Appearance of oval greyish or brownish marks may appear on the face, neck, trunk or limbs without any inflammatory phase.

• Lichenoid drug eruption

Appearance of Lichen Planus-like rash caused by medications. Asymptomatic or itchy pink-purple, flat, scaly patches on the trunk, oral mucosa and other sites may occur.

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Symptoms

• Genetic predisposition : A positive family history of asthma and allergies may predispose you to asthma.
• Common triggers : House dust mites, animal fur, pollen, tobacco smoke, exercise, cold air and chest infections.
• Irritants : Smoke, pollution, changes in weather and strong odors.
• Respiratory infection, especially viral.
• Anxiety or stress may precipitate an attack.
• In Children : Nocturnal attacks are often associated with house dust mites and pets inthe child’s bedroom.
• Other : Medicines such as aspirin and beta-blockers, sulfites in food or beverages(wine)

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Signs and symptoms

• Tender or painful (mild cases may have no discomfort)
• Located on the sides of the tongue or the inside of the cheek
• Sometimes located on the gums
• Area of blue-white spots or “pimples”
• Lines of lesions that form a lacy-looking network
• Gradual increase in size of the affected area
• Lesions sometimes form painful ulcers

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Skin lesions

• Usually located on the inner wrist, legs, torso, or genitals
• Itchy
• Even on both sides (symmetrical)
• Single lesion or clusters of lesions, often at sites of skin injury
• Papule 2 – 4 cm in size
• Papules clustered into a large, flat-topped lesion
• Lesions have distinct, sharp borders
• Shiny or scaly appearance
• Dark colored — reddish-purple (skin) or gray-white (mouth)
• Possibility of developing blisters or ulcers
• Other symptoms include:
• Dry mouth
• Hair loss
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Possibly covered with fine white streaks or scratch marks called Wickham’s striae
• Ridges in the nails (nail abnormalities)

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Homoeopathic Treatments

• Harmonizes your immune response and help prevent lesions
• Boosts normal immune response and fight viruses and allergens
• Non-steroidal, homeopathic therapy which has no side effects
• 100% safe for children and adults without any adverse systemic effects
• Only internal homeopathic medicines prescribed