Lichen Planus Treatment in Delhi, India

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. It is characterised by the development of flat-topped, polygonal, purplish, itchy bumps that can form a rash or plaque.

Symptoms of Lichen Planus

The most common symptoms include:

• Itching: Lichen planus can cause intense itching in the affected areas, which can be worsened by scratching
• Skin rash: Lichen planus can cause flat-topped, polygonal, purplish, itchy bumps that can form a rash or plaque. The rash is usually found on the arms, legs, and trunk, but it can also occur on other parts of the body
• Mouth ulcers: Oral lichen planus can cause painful ulcers on the inside of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, and cheeks. These mouth ulcers can make it difficult to eat and talk
• Genital sores: Lichen planus can cause sores on the genitals, which can be painful and itchy
• Hair loss: Lichen planus can cause hair loss on the scalp, as well as scarring of the scalp
• Nail changes: Lichen planus can cause changes in the nails, such as ridges or grooves or the nails becoming thin and brittle

Causes of Lichen Planus

The cause of lichen planus is unknown, but it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system of the body attacks its own tissues. It is also considered to be related to an abnormal immune response to certain triggers such as infections, stress, or certain medications. 

Risk factors of Lichen Planus

Some common factors include:

• Middle-aged adults: women more than men.
• Family history
• Viral infections such as hepatitis C
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, and certain antibiotics
• Skin Allergies
• Stress

Complications of Lichen Planus

While lichen planus is usually a self-limited condition that resolves on its own, it can sometimes lead to complications. Some possible complications of lichen planus include:

• Scarring: Lichen planus lesions can leave scars, particularly if they occur in areas where the skin is thin, such as the wrists, ankles, or genitals
• Discomfort: Lichen planus can cause discomfort, pain, or itching in the affected areas, which can interfere with daily activities
• Infection: Scratching or picking at lichen planus lesions can increase the risk of infection
• Oral cancer: In rare cases, long-term oral lichen planus may increase the risk of developing oral cancer
• Hair loss: Lichen planus lesions on the scalp can lead to permanent hair loss
• Nail deformities: Lichen planus lesions on the nails can lead to ridges or grooves in the nails or even nail loss

Diagnosis of Lichen Planus

Here are some of the key steps involved in the diagnosis of lichen planus:

• Physical examination: The specialist will look at the affected areas of your skin or mucous membranes and examine characteristic signs of lichen planus, such as flat-topped, polygonal, purplish, and itchy bumps
• Medical history: The specialist will ask about the patient's medical history, including any medicines the patient is taking and any recent illnesses or infections
• Biopsy: The doctor may recommend a skin or oral biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of lichen planus
• Blood tests: The doctor may order blood tests to exclude other conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as hepatitis C or autoimmune disorders
• Allergy tests: In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend allergy testing to identify any substances or chemicals that may be triggering the lichen planus
• Imaging tests: If your healthcare provider suspects that the lichen planus may be affecting internal organs, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI

Lichen Planus Treatment

Here are some common treatments for lichen planus:

• Topical corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids are creams or ointments that can be applied to the mucous membranes to reduce inflammation and itching
• Oral corticosteroids: If the lichen planus is severe or widespread, the healthcare provider may prescribe oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressants: If the lichen planus does not respond to other treatments, the specialist may prescribe immunosuppressants to suppress the immune system
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These creams or ointments can also help reduce inflammation and itching and may be an alternative to corticosteroids
• Antihistamines: They can help relieve itching and reduce inflammation
• Phototherapy: It involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation and itching
• Avoiding triggers: If the lichen planus is triggered by certain medications or chemicals, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding these triggers
• Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene can help manage oral lichen planus and reduce the risk of complications such as oral cancer
• Supportive care: Supportive care measures such as moisturising creams, cool compresses, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing can help manage symptoms

Home remedies

• Avoid triggers: If you have identified any triggers that may be causing or exacerbating your lichen planus, such as certain medications or chemicals, avoid them
• Practice good oral hygiene: If you have oral lichen planus, good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of complications such as oral cancer
• Moisturise: Using a moisturising cream or ointment can help relieve itching and dryness associated with lichen planus
• Apply cool compresses: Applying a cool, damp compress to the affected areas can help relieve itching and inflammation
• Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight-fitting clothing can irritate the skin and exacerbate symptoms. Wear breathable clothing made from natural fibres.
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms of lichen planus. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
• Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen symptoms of oral lichen planus and increase the risk of complications such as oral cancer. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of complications

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