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Lichen planus can be easily identified in most cases, due to its typical location of rashes and their 'violaceous' appearance. It is characterized by rows or clusters of dark, raised, flat-topped skin lesions. The skin eruptions of lichen planus often involve the following areas:
Insides of the wrists
Ankles
Lower back
Scalp
Nails
Mucous membranes that line the mouth. nose, genitals
(vagina / penis) and anus
The onset of eruptions can be sudden or gradual and tend to show the following lichen planus symptoms:
- Rows or small clusters of flat-topped eruptions, usually a few millimeters in diameter
- In most cases, eruptions of violet colour rashes can be seen. They may vary from purple to pink to even red
- Excessive itching which may vary from mild to severe
- New eruptions may appear at the sites of minor skin injury or trauma, such as a superficial scratch (called as Koebner's phenomenon)
- In some cases, there may be thick, reddish-brown lesions that are covered with scales (called as hypertrophic lichen planus)
- Once the rashes resolve or disappear, they leave behind dark brown or grey spots (hyperpigmentation marks)
- In cases of scalp involvement, there can be a development of scalp scarring in the affected areas further leading to hair loss
- Nails affected by lichen planus may develop pits and grooves.
Oral lichen planus symptoms on the other hand, have a typical presentation that involves the following:
- Small, pale, raised areas that form a lacy network on the inside of the cheeks, rarely involving the tongue. Occasionally, the lesions may even appear to be red and shiny.
- Soreness, burning pain, tenderness in the mouth, especially while having spicy foods.
- Dry mouth with metallic taste or blunted-taste sensation.
- Painful and recurrent ulcers in the mouth leading to discomfort.
People with long-term lesions of oral lichen planus are at a greater risk of developing malignancy (squamous cell carcinoma - a type of skin cancer).
FAQs
What triggers Lichen Planus?
Lichen planus occurs when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes, resulting in raised, flat-topped skin lesions. Lichen planus symptoms can be triggered by:
It is imperative to consult an expert before independently analyzing your lichen planus symptoms and its triggers for an effective and timely treatment.https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment.
- Infections like Hepatitis C
- Certain pigments, chemicals and metals
- Certain medicines, such as pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others)
- Certain medications for heart disorders, high blood pressure or arthritis
It is imperative to consult an expert before independently analyzing your lichen planus symptoms and its triggers for an effective and timely treatment.https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment.
What are itchy hands a symptom of?
Itchy fingers and hands can be a symptom of various skin conditions, including contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis, also known as contact eczema, occurs when a person is in contact with irritants and other external factors. Similarly, itchy hands can be a lichen planus symptom and can also be characterized by an itchy, non-infectious rash on the legs. It is an inflammatory skin condition that results in small, many-sided, flat-topped, pink or purple bumps.
Can lichen planus be a sign of other disease?
Lichen planus disease is an auto-immune skin disorder that is caused due to an abnormal immune response. According to a report published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the etiology of this disease remains unknown, but various causal factors have been associated to diseases such as anxiety, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, mainly chronic liver disease, intestinal diseases, cholesterol, hypertension and a genetic predisposition to cancer.
It is therefore imperative to choose the right treatment for the disease that ensures safe and long-lasting results. Homeopathy has proven its efficacy in the treatment of lichen planus, which is clearly demonstrated by a clinical study conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2008. This research study evaluates the effectiveness of Ignatia 30C (a homeopathic drug) in the management of oral lichen planus. In this single-blind randomized control clinical trial, 30 consecutive patients with erosive and/or atrophic oral lesions were recruited. At the end of four months, the authors concluded that Ignatia has a beneficial effect on the treatment of oral lichen planus on selected patients. To know more about homeopathy and its treatment for lichen planus;https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment.
It is therefore imperative to choose the right treatment for the disease that ensures safe and long-lasting results. Homeopathy has proven its efficacy in the treatment of lichen planus, which is clearly demonstrated by a clinical study conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2008. This research study evaluates the effectiveness of Ignatia 30C (a homeopathic drug) in the management of oral lichen planus. In this single-blind randomized control clinical trial, 30 consecutive patients with erosive and/or atrophic oral lesions were recruited. At the end of four months, the authors concluded that Ignatia has a beneficial effect on the treatment of oral lichen planus on selected patients. To know more about homeopathy and its treatment for lichen planus;https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment.
What is usually the first sign of lichen planus?
The first sign of lichen planus symptoms usually appear as purplish-colored lesions or bumps with flat tops on skin or genitals. These lesions can develop and spread all over the body and result in itching at the site of the rash. In most cases, it also results in oral lichen planus symptoms that appear as lacy-white lesions which may be painful or cause a burning sensation.
How do you know you have lichen planus?
The lichen planus symptoms and signs may vary depending on the areas affected. Typical lichen planus symptoms are:
It is recommended to consult an expert to evaluate the intensity and type of the condition for an effective treatment.https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment.
- Purplish or red, flat bumps, most often on the inner forearm, wrist or ankle. It sometimes even affects the genitals
- Excessive itching on the affected areas
- Blisters that break to form scabs or crusts
- Lacy white patches in the mouth, lips or tongue
- Painful sores in the mouth or genitals
- Hair loss due to scalp scarring in the lichen planus affected areas
- Change in color of the scalp
- Nail damage or loss in case of nail lichen planus
It is recommended to consult an expert to evaluate the intensity and type of the condition for an effective treatment.https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment.
