10 Things You Didn’t Know About Lichen Planus

March 8, 2022

Lichen Planus is a rash, appearing on the skin when triggered by the immune system. Although not a contagious nor dangerous condition, it can be uncomfortable and unsightly. It is manageable and treated with medicinal and homeopathy remedies. There is no cure for the rash, and it remains a bit of a mystery among the medical community. Some symptoms, facts, and treatment options are discussed here which help identify the condition.

10. Treatment

Since lichen planus is not curable, the rash will generally clear up on its own. Treatment options are used to deal with the symptoms, such as itching and pain. In cases displaying more severe characteristics, antihistamines are recommended to ease itchiness and phototherapy is sometimes used. A simple topical application of steroid creams also helps minimize symptoms. Oral corticosteroids or steroid lozenges may be prescribed for lesions on or inside the mouth.

9. Diagnosis

The first thing a doctor will do to determine a diagnosis of lichen planus is to examine the skin visually. He or she will look at the shape and formation of lesions, bumps, and erosions. A punch biopsy can also be taken. This involves a taking a small tissue sample from deep layers of the skin using a specific device. It is then observed under a microscope. If this procedure does not correctly identify the cause, a referral to a dermatologist is likely the next step.

8. Risk Factors

Lichen planus does not discriminate. It can affect anyone of any age but is most prevalent among middle-aged adults. Females typically are affected by oral lichen planus than males. Risks increase for people on beta-blocker drugs for cardiovascular problems, anti-inflammatory treatments, and other medications. There has been some research to suggest allergies to mercury tooth fillings have an effect on the condition, and it may also show up on people with Grinspan’s syndrome.

7. Symptoms of Vaginal or Vulvar Lichen Planus

Like penile lichen planus, the women’s form of the condition is not transmitted sexually and is not contagious. It typically causes itchiness, a rash, lesions, and a burning or painful feeling. Irritation to the vaginal wall can increase discomfort, and some women may experience discharge. The condition can affect sex because of the pain, and if the vaginal canal is narrowed from bumps, penetration may be compromised.

6. Symptoms of Penile Lichen Planus

Despite the locale, this is not a sexually transmitted disease, nor is it contagious upon contact. Penile lichen planus typically affects men aged thirty to sixty, but the cause remains a mystery in most cases. In a few instances, the condition can appear from abnormal cell-mediated immunity. Symptoms generally appear as red, ring-like marks on the glans penis or on the penile shaft. It can be treated with a topical ointment, like steroidal lotion, immunosuppressive therapy, or photo-chemotherapy.

5. Symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus

When a serious case of lichen planus strikes the mouth, a person will know right away. This is a chronic inflammation affecting the mucous membrane. When eating or drinking there will be a burning sensation, or at the very least, some pain, since it is a sensitive area. The lesions usually show up as white lines or patches, which may be accompanied by sores or swelling. It is caused by an autoimmune reaction and is not a contagious condition.

4. Symptoms

Symptoms present themselves primarily as raised, purple to red colored bumps on the skin. They appear shiny and flat on the surface of the bump. These papules are small, measuring about three to five millimeters around. Sometimes white lines appear on them. The condition can also appear as scaly patches, known as hypertrophic lichen planus, typically around the ankles. Patches can be thick and scaly, or there may be ring-like marks. Itchy skin is also a common symptom.

3. Chemical Exposure

Other drugs and chemicals are believed to be related to an outbreak of lichen planus on the skin. Drugs with the ingredients arsenic or bismuth are known to result in similar-looking rashes. The legs can be affected by the hypertrophic form of the condition following extensive use of quinacrine or quinidine. Such drugs treat abnormal heart rhythms, like heart flutters. Some findings have discovered the use of photo development chemicals produce a rash like lichen planus.

2. Gold Injections

One type of medicine responsible for triggering lichen planus in some instances belongs to a group called gold injections. They are used for people with diabetes to help reduce pain in joints, minimize inflammation, prevent further damage to joints, and help maintain what is left of deteriorating joints. These disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) are issued through injection into the muscles.

1. Cause

The rash, lichen planus has no known cause but can show up following the consumption of some medicines, such as thiazide diuretics, antimalarial pills, and tranquilizing drugs called phenothiazines. There are other schools of thought, particularly among dermatologists, which believe the condition is an autoimmune reaction. This outcome can happen when too many antibodies are produced by the immune system in an attempt to fight infection, resulting in inflammation of the skin.

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