Lichen Planus: Types, Causes, Symptoms, And Homeopathic Treatment

Have you developed purplish itchy patches on your skin? Is it imparting an unpleasant appearance to your skin? If yes, you might be suffering from lichen planus. Fortunately, you have homeopathy to treat the condition gently, naturally, and safely. And, you might be wondering what lichen planus is, what its types, causes, and symptoms are, and how to treat it effectively without experiencing any side effects, aren’t you? Get answers to all your queries by reading this blog below.

Lichen planus is a skin condition characterized by the swelling and irritation of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Lichen planus usually manifests itself on the skin as purplish, itchy, flat bumps that appear over several weeks. It causes lacy white patches in the mouth, vagina, and other mucous membrane-covered areas, sometimes with painful sores.

Most people can treat typical, mild cases of lichen planus at home without seeking medical attention. If the condition causes severe itching or pain, there is a need for treatment for lichen planus.

 Types of Lichen Planus:

Here are some common types of lichen planus. 

1. Lichen Planus Hypertrophicus: This condition is characterized by large, itchy, violaceous, hyperkeratotic papules and plaques on the anterior surface of the legs.

2. Lichen Planus Atrophicus: This type of lichen planus manifests as a circular skin area with an atrophic, hyperpigmented center. Usually, it has a 1-2mm thick, raised active erythematous border. Commonly, it appears on the face and the dorsum of the hands.

3. Lichen Planopilaris: This condition is characterized by itchy, violaceous papules that appear at the openings of hair follicles. Hair loss occurs as a result of this condition. Legs and arms are frequently affected.

4. Actinic Lichen Planus: This annular grouped micro popular lesion is found on exposed body parts such as the extensor surfaces of the forearms and hands.

5. Linear Lichen Planus: This type of lichen planus has lesions that are distributed in a straight line.

6. Bullous Lichen Planus: It is known for being a rare variant of lichen planus. It is characterized by bullae and has lichen planus-like growths on its violaceous base.

Causes for Lichen Planus

It is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s protective cells attack its tissues, mistakenly considering them as foreign bodies. Lichen Planus has been discovered as an immunologically mediated disease.

The precise causes of Lichen Planus are not yet clear. Some triggers that have been clinically proven to be responsible for Lichen Planus have been identified.

Triggering factors include:

• Infection with Hepatitis C
• Vaccination against Hepatitis B
• The flu vaccine
• Certain pigments, chemicals, and metals
• NSAIDs

Some medications, such as those containing arsenic, bismuth, or gold, can cause an eruption that resembles lichen planus. A similar rash can result due to exposure to certain chemicals used in the development of color photographs.

Long-term use of the malaria drugs quinacrine or quinidine (Quinidine Gluconate, Quinidine Sulfate) and other microscopic organisms and worms may result in hypertrophic lichen planus of the lower legs and other skin and body-wide (systemic) disturbances.

Symptoms of Lichen Planus

Lichen planus symptoms and signs differ depending on the affected area. The following are typical signs and symptoms of Lichen Planus:

• Purplish, flat bumps appear usually on the inner forearm, wrist, or ankle. They may also develop on the genitals
• Itching
• Blisters that rupture and form scabs or crusts
• Lacy white patches in the mouth, on the lips, and the tongue
• Sores in the mouth or vaginal area that are painful
• Hair thinning
• Changes in the color of the scalp
• Nail damage or loss

Lichen Planus Diagnosis:

Here are some diagnostic tests for diagnosing lichen planus. 

1. Biopsy:

During a punch biopsy test, a small section of skin is removed and examined under a microscope for cell patterns that are characteristic of lichen planus.

2. Hepatitis C test:

This diagnostic test helps to determine if the patient has Hepatitis C, a possible cause of lichen planus.

3. Allergy test:

It helps to perceive if there is any allergic reaction, which can be a trigger factor for lichen planus.

Homeopathy Treatment for Lichen Planus 

Homeopathy for Lichen Planus restores the body’s deviated function at the level of immunity. It also helps to regulate the symptoms of Lichen Planus while causing no negative effects. The homeopathy treatment for Lichen Planus is a proven protocol that provides the patients of lichen planus long-term to permanent relief over time.

Homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus must be tailored to each individual. That is why a detailed history is required to tailor treatment for Lichen Planus. The homeopathic treatment for Lichen Planus is devised after a thorough examination of the patient’s affected skin and reviewing of his/her previous Lichen Planus treatments and medications. With continued treatment, you will notice a decrease in the patches and symptoms such as itching and burning.

Homeopathic Medicines For Lichen Planus:

Here are some common homeopathic remedies for lichen planus that you should be aware of. 

1. Apis:

This homeopathic remedy is used when the skin is burning and swollen.

2. Rumex:

When red rashes develop along with the itching that worsens when undressed, Rumex is recommended.

3. Mur:

Dry eruptions, particularly on the hairy scalp’s margins and joint bends, indicate this remedy.

4. Thuja:

This homeopathic remedy is excellent for treating severe and chronic skin conditions. It is best effective for lichen planus, psoriasis, eczema, warts, pyoderma, and others.

5. Sulfur:

When the skin is dry, scaly, and unhealthy, and any minor injury suppurates, this remedy is indicated. Sulfur is best suited to thin and weak people who are sensitive to heat. It is also suitable for people who are frequently irritated and depressed.

6. Borax:

When blisters appear in the mouth, Borax is used. It is appropriate for treating oral lichen planus with skin deterioration.

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It happens to affect the  topmost layers of the skin. The itching is also a common symptom of lichen planus, and it is most common in people falling in the age group of 40 to 70 years. Although Lichen Planus is not dangerous, it can be very uncomfortable and frustrating if you have to deal with it for an extended period.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above and do not have any other diseases or illnesses that could cause similar symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Opt for homeopathy for an effective, gentle, and safe treatment for lichen planus that causes no side effects.