Lichen planus is a disease that causes rashes and inflammations on the skin, scalp, nails and mucous membranes of the body. Lichen planus is itchy and appears as lumps on the skin and white spots on mucosal areas (such as the mouth or vagina). This disease is not contagious and often cures without treatment, but it usually recurs.
Lichen planus appears because the immune system attacks some cells in the skin or mucous membranes. There are some triggers that are at the origin of this disease:
- Reaction to the flu vaccine.
- Hepatitis C
- Reaction to chemicals.
- Some medications to treat diseases such as high blood pressure or arthritis.
The types of lichen planus, depending on which area they affect, are: cutaneous lichen planus and oral lichen planus.
The symptoms of lichen planus are quite clear and constant:
- Uniform rash on both sides of the body, especially on the trunk, inside of the wrists, legs and genital area. On the legs the rash is usually extensive, thick and scaly.
- Skin irritation.
- Skin swelling.
- White spots in the mouth or vagina.
- Hair loss or patchy baldness on the scalp.
- Blueish white mouth plate.
- Discoloration, thinning and formation of grooves in the nails.
The doctor explores the patient's symptoms and also orders some tests such as a biopsy, a blood test, allergy tests or even tests to determine if the patient has hepatitis C.
In most cases, lichen planus heals without treatment within a few months. If the disease spreads to the mucous membranes, it usually takes longer to disappear. In cases where the itching is very deep and the symptoms generally prevent a normal life, the doctor must decide what treatment to propose. In some cases phototherapy can be considered.
Corticosteroids in cream or injection form, antihistamines, and anti-infection medicines are usually used.
For the treatment of oral lichen planus, rinses with a mouthwash containing lidocaine can be prescribed, but the prescribed treatment time should not be exceeded.
You cannot prevent the appearance of lichen planus, but there are some simple measures to minimize the symptoms. For example, apply gauze or compresses with cold water, do not scratch the affected areas and apply appropriate creams. If the mouth is affected, we must avoid smoking and eating acidic foods.
