What's Lichen Planus?

The chronic, inflammatory skin condition Lichen Planus can affect both women and men of any age. The lichen planus is an itchy, raised, and irregularly shaped rash that can appear on your arms, legs or torso. Sometimes, it can even appear inside your mouth, Nose or genitals. The incidence is between 0.2 and 6. 8 percent .

The autoimmune condition Lichen Planus, which is thought to involve the body's immune system attacking its healthy tissue, is called Lichen planus. Although the exact cause is unknown, certain factors such as sun exposure and stress have been shown to be associated with its development. Although there is currently no cure, treatments are available to treat symptoms.

Lichen Planus: Common Causes

While the cause of lichenplanus remains elusive, several triggers could be involved in the development of this condition.

• Stress
• Sun exposure
• Some Medications such as antimalarials and Antibiotics are not recommended.
• Hepatitis C and HIV Infections
• Certain chemicals can be exposed, including hair dyes and solvents as well as creams that contain silver or gold.

Common Treatments for Lichen Planus

The severity of the lichen planus depends upon the location and extent. To relieve the itching and decrease inflammation in mild cases of lichen planus, you can use topical Corticosteroids and Antihistamines . In severe cases, it may be necessary to use ultraviolet Light Therapy and oral corticosteroids.

The most common treatment for lichenplanus is topical corticosteroids. Studies have shown that they can reduce symptoms up to three months. The long-term usage of topical corticosteroids may cause skin to thinn and develop stretch marks. They should not be taken orally without the approval of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

The treatment involves the application of ultraviolet A (UVA), either in a physician's office, or at your home. The treatment is effective at reducing the symptoms and improving appearance. It can raise the likelihood of developing skin cancer so you should always consult a doctor before using it.

You can also use oral corticosteroids to treat lichenplanus. However, they are best used in short amounts of time because of their possible side effects like weight gain or increased infection risk. You can also use immunosuppressive medications such as Methotrexate or Cyclosporine to treat severe cases. However, they may have side effects such as liver damage and bone marrow suppression.

Lichen Planus Experts and Professionals' Opinion

As the first treatment option for lichen planus, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests the application of topical corticosteroids. Patients should avoid Sunburn and stress as triggers and see a doctor if symptoms persist. National Institutes of Health recommends that patients avoid known triggers, treat any underlying conditions (e.g. infections), and then try other treatment options.

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a study that evaluated the effectiveness of various treatments for lichenplanus. It found that the best treatment was topical corticosteroids. Although ultraviolet light therapy can be effective in certain cases, it is also known to increase skin cancer risk.

Natural Remedies and Tips for Lichen Plantus

There are natural ways to manage lichen planus that can be used in addition to traditional treatments. They include:

• Use moisturizers to maintain skin's hydration
• Avoiding stress and sun exposure
• A balanced diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits
• Use gentle soaps and detergents.
• Use lukewarm water for bathing and showering
• Use gentle cleanser to clean the area
• Use cold compresses for itching and swelling reduction
• Aloe vera gel and coconut oil can be used to soothe skin irritations

These natural remedies might not be suitable for all people and must therefore be used with caution. It is also important to seek medical advice before you try any new remedies or treatments.

Conclusion

The chronic, inflammatory condition of the skin known as Lichen Planus can affect both women and men. Although the exact cause of lichen planus is unknown, certain factors such as sun exposure and stress have been shown to be associated with its development. The severity of the condition and the location can vary from the use of topical corticosteroids or ultraviolet light therapy. There are natural ways to manage the condition such as moisturizing and staying away from triggers. Before trying new remedies or treatments, consult your healthcare provider.

Lichen planus, which is also a chronic condition of the skin, requires medical attention. There is currently no cure for lichen planus. However, treatments are available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. There are also natural ways to manage this condition. However, it is important that you consult a medical professional before you try any new remedies or treatments.