Lichen Planus - Info on Lichen Planus Symptom, Causes & Treatment

What is Lichen Planus ?

Lichen Planus is a very common type of skin disorders but is very dangerous also. Lichen planus is rash that can be very itchy and pertinacious. It usually involves the wrists, ankles, genitals and mouth but can affect any part of the body. Lichen planus may cause a small number of skin lesions or less normally influence a wide area of the skin and mucous membranes. In 85% of cases it clears from skin surfaces within 18 months but it may persevere longer especially when affecting the mouth or genitals.

Here you find all terms related to Lichen Planus, like symptoms, causes and effective treatment. Lichen planus is not dangerous or contagious (does not spread from person to person). Approximately 20 percent of the time lichen planus of the skin causes minimal symptoms and needs no treatment. Nonetheless, in many cases the itching can be constant and intense. This disease develops most often in men and women between the ages of 30 and 70 years. It is uncommon in the very young and aged. All racial groups appear susceptible to lichen planus.

What are the causes of Lichen Planus ?

The exact cause of Lichen Planus is not known. The pathogenesis of LP is immunologically mediated. Whether the foreign antigen is a virus or a drug is not known. It may be associated to a viral infection or a reaction to a chemical, such as those used to develop color photographs. In some people, certain drugs such as streptomycin, tetracycline, gold, arsenic, bismuth, quinacrine, quinidine, and quinine cause a reaction that looks like lichen planus. People who have lichen planus in the mouth may be allergic to unerring medications, ingredients in candy or gum, or products used during dental procedures. Lichen planus is not contagious. The disorder has been known to work out after exposure to potential allergens such as medications, dyes, and other chemical substances. Symptoms are increased with emotional stress, possibly because of changes in immune system during stress. Lichen planus generally occurs at or after middle age. It is less common in children. The initial attack may last for weeks to months, resolve, then recur for years.

Symptoms of Lichen Planus

Some of the common symptoms of Lichen Planus are :-

• Ridges in the nails like onycholysis
• Lichen planus can appear on any area of the skin. The most common areas are the inner wrists, the forearms and the ankles.
• Dry mouth.
• Itching in the location of a lesion, mild to severe.
• On the scalp, lichen planus may cause hair loss.
• In the mouth, it appears like lacy white patches on the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue.
• Metallic taste in the mouth.

Treatment of Lichen Planus - With Home Remedies

Different Types of Treatment For Lichen Planus are available, some are :

• Vaseline and cortisone compounds
• Keep the skin lubricated.
• Antihistamines help the itching.
• Occlusive dressings may be placed over topical medications to protect the skin from scratching.
• Ultraviolet light therapy may be beneficial in some cases of Lichen Planus.
• Hot weather and heavy sweating tend to worsen lichen simplex chronicus.