What Is Lichen Planus?
It is a chronic skin rash that occurs because of inflammation. Rashes of lichen planus are tiny, polygonal, flat-topped, bumps which emerge collectively, forming scaly, dry patches on your skin. Soft target of the rashes associated with lichen planus are your skin, vagina and mucous membranes of the mouth. Lichen planus is more common in middle-aged adults. It rarely occurs in children. Fortunately, lichen planus is not contagious.
What Are The Symptoms Of Lichen Planus?
The symptoms of lichen planus tend to vary, depending upon the affected body area, commonly, lichen planus affects the following:
- PENIS:
1. White or purple patches on the glans.
2. Shiny bumps and non-itchy rash. - MOUTH:
1. White pattern in your inner cheeks and tongue.
2. Painful gums.
3. Dry mouth.
4. Metallic taste.
5. White and red patches in your mouth. - SKIN:
1. Reddish-Purplish bumps.
2. These raised bumps have a flat top.
3. Affected skin can cause itching.
4. The condition usually affects the lower back, ankles and wrists. - VAGINA AND VULVA:
1. Rawness and soreness around your vulva,
2. Yellow discharge,
3. Formation of scar tissue,
4. Painful intercourse,
5. Vulva can be surrounded by a pale white, pink or red color streaks.
What Causes Lichen Planus?
Researchers have failed to understand the clear reason behind its occurrence; however an immune or allergic reaction may play a vital role in its instigation. Lichen planus is caused when the immune system attacks the mucous membrane or skin cells mistakenly.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Lichen Planus?
Certain factors identified for increasing one’s chances of lichen planus include:
Diseases for example hepatitis C.
- Exposure to dyes, medicines and certain chemicals.
- Middle-aged adults are more likely to develop lichen planus.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Lichen Planus?
Few complications lichen planus can lead in the future include:
- Oral cancer.
- Hair loss.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Squamous cell carcinoma.
How Is Lichen Planus Diagnosed?
A careful examination of the affected skin or mouth can help your doctor diagnose lichen planus. In addition to this, the doctor can suggest the following in order to confirm its diagnoses:
- Mouth lesion biopsy.
- Skin lesion biopsy.
- Blood tests (for ruling our hepatitis).
How Is Lichen Planus Treated?
The treatment of lichen planus aims to:
- Speed its healing.
- Ease its symptoms.
Few Of Its Treatment Options Include:
- Medicines to calm down the overactive immune system.
- Antihistamines.
- Retinoids.
- Topical corticosteroids.
- Corticosteroid shots.
- Lidocaine mouthwashes.
- Vitamin A in oral or cream form.
- Ultraviolet light therapy.
- Nonsteroidal ointments or creams.
- Certain medicines to apply on the affected skin.
In case the doctor suspect the skin condition is caused by a possible trigger, he or she will prepare a treatment plan for addressing the causal trigger. Generally, on normal skin, the condition persists for some years, suddenly resolving on its own!
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By : Natural Health News
