When the immune system accidentally damages the skin cells and mucous membranes, the condition is called Lichen Planus. It is a condition of skin rashes caused by the immune system. The actual cause of the disease that triggers the immune system is unknown.

These are some diseases and conditions which increases the chances of getting Lichen Planus.

• ● Some dyes, metals, and chemicals
• ● Hepatitis C infection
• ● Flu vaccines
• ● Side effects of medicines used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, or arthritis
• ● Pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen

The symptoms of Lichen Planus may vary according to the affected areas. Typically a common Lichen Planus may have these symptoms:

• ● Purple patches with a slight bulge on the patient’s skin, ankle, wrist, or genitals.
• ● Itching
• ● Blisters that form a crust
• ● White spots on the mouth, tongue, or lips
• ● Inflamed wounds or scars in the mouth or vagina
• ● Hair fall
• ● Change in color of the scalp
• ● Nail damage

To diagnose Lichen Planus, the doctor looks at the patient’s symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. Doctors may also do some laboratory tests if required:

• ● Hepatitis C test: The doctor may do a blood test to check for Hepatitis C disease.
• ● Allergy test: The problem of Lichen Planus is also due to contact with an allergenic substance. Your doctor will try to find out the allergens to which you are allergic.
• ● Biopsy: Your doctor can remove a small tissue from the affected area and analyze it with the help of a microscope; to determine the characteristic of the cell pattern of Lichen Planus.

If your doctor suspects an abnormality, he may do some more tests in the area affected by Lichen Planus, such as an ear, mouth, nose, or genitals.

The mild effects of Lichen Planus cure itself without treatment in a few weeks and months. If it affects the mucous membrane, it takes a lot of time to heal. Due to the impact on the mucous membrane, it starts opposing the treatment. It also increases the chances of recurrence.

Some medicines and therapies are helpful to treat Lichen Planus. These medicines relieve the symptoms of itching, pain, wound, burning sensation. Before trying any therapy or medication, discuss its potential benefits and side effects with your doctor.

These options exist for the treatment of Lichen Planus:

• ● Corticosteroids: Generally, doctors prefer corticosteroids for treating Lichen Planus. It can be in the form of cream or ointment. If this does not help and the condition worsens, then doctors can also inject corticosteroids.

Application of topical corticosteroids may have a side effect and can cause skin irritation. This treatment is useful but only for a short time.

• ● Anti-infection drugs: You can take a dose of anti-infection antibiotics to relieve symptoms of Lichen Planus. Antimalarial hydroxychloroquine and antibiotics also help to treat skin infections and inflammation.
• ● Antihistamines: You can take antihistamine medications orally to reduce the itching and other symptoms caused by Lichen Planus.
• ● Retinoids: If corticosteroids or light therapy does not treat Lichen Planus, doctors may ask to take retinoids orally.

There is a risk of birth-defect due to retinoids. Therefore, women who are pregnant or are thinking of getting pregnant should not use retinoids.

• ● Light therapy: Light therapy or phototherapy can reduce the effect of Lichen Planus. In this therapy, ultraviolet B rays are injected into the epidermis (upper layer of skin). This treatment lasts for several weeks and is treated two to three times every week.

Light therapy does not help people with darker skin in treating Lichen Planus.

Lichen Planus is a type of skin disease usually caused by a deficiency in the autoimmune system. This disease cures itself within one or two weeks. Medications and therapies help to treat severe Lichen Planus. Delaying treatment can lead to many complications, including cancer.

This disease can occur in any person, but it affects people more in the middle age group. Middle-aged women are at greater risk of lichen planus in the mouth.

Exposure to the allergens given below may also cause Lichen Planus:

• ● Antibiotics
• ● Certain kinds of dyes
• ● Gold
• ● diuretics
• ● Arsenic
• ● Iodide compounds
• ● Other medications

Ultraviolet B rays may harm the skin, causing skin cancer. Before using any medication, the doctor checks if your skin is sensitive or not.

Treatment of Lichen Planus mentioned above, if successful, you get permanent relief. If the cause of the disease is an allergy, no treatment can be permanent. Then, the cure is to stay away from the allergic substance.

Home remedies for Lichen Planus are possible, but take the doctor’s advice before trying any treatment. Sometimes home remedies make your situation worse.

It takes one or two months to recover on its own. If treated regularly, it cures within two to three weeks.

You should not eat oily, spicy food after treatment. Also, do not smoke, consume alcohol, or other drugs.