Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus is a skin disorder cwhich is very rarely found. Lichen planus looks like purple or reddish-purple bumps on the skin. Lichen planus may cause a small number of skin lesions or less often affect a wide area of the skin and mucous membranes. Lichen planus is a skin disorder of the skin and mucous membranes resulting in inflammation, itching, and distinctive skin lesions. The disorder has been known to develop after exposure to potential allergens such as medications, dyes, and other chemical substances. The condition is less common in the very young and the very old.

Lichen planus generally occurs at or after middle age. It is less common in children. The initial attack may last for weeks to months, resolve, then recur for years. Lichen planus is an uncommon disorder involving a recurrent, itchy, inflammatory rash or lesion on the skin or in the mouth.

Lichen planus is a skin disease which has a origin which is unknown and this condition produces small, shiny, flat-topped, itchy pink or purple raised spots on the wrists, forearms or lower legs, especially in middle-aged patients. Lichen planus usually causes itching. The itching can be mild or very bad. Sometimes the bumps don't itch, but typically they do. Lichen planus is not dangerous or contagious (does not spread from person to person).

Lichen planus is generally not harmful and may resolve with treatment, but can persist for months to years. Oral lichen planus usually clears within 18 months. Lichen planus appears as shiny, flat-topped bumps that often have an angular shape. Lichen planus is rash that can be very itchy and stubborn. It usually involves the wrists, ankles, genitals and mouth but can affect any part of the body.

Symptoms of Lichen Planus

Symptoms are chronic itching which is often accompanied by nervous tension.

• Itching of the skin
• Skin lesion, patch, or plaque
• Ridges in the nails
• Dry mouth
• hair loss

Treatment and Cure of Lichen Planus :

Treatments of Lichen Planus may include:

If you have mouth lesions, lidocaine mouth washes may numb the area temporarily and make eating more comfortable.

Topical corticosteroids (such as triamcinolone acetonide cream) or oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses. Corticosteroids may be injected directly into a lesion.

Topical retinoic acid cream (a form of vitamin A) and other ointments or creams may reduce itching and inflammation and may aid healing.

Occlusive dressings may be placed over topical medications to protect the skin from scratching.

Ultraviolet light therapy may be beneficial in some cases.