What Causes Lichen Planus?

Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen and naproxen are two of the most commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers on the market. These drugs are also available in prescription-strength versions, and they are typically used for headaches, menstrual pain, muscle aches, arthritis pain, and fever reduction. Researchers have linked both of these pain relievers to an elevated risk of lichen planus. Since the condition is more common in individuals over forty years old, these patients may want to consider taking other types of painkillers to relieve their symptoms.

Anyone thinking of using any form of over-the-counter pain reliever should carefully read the information leaflet that comes with the medication, and care needs to be taken not to exceed the recommended dosage. If the patient gets no relief from their pain after using over-the-counter medication for a week, they should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and the appropriate treatment. The clinician may be able to recommend drug-free options such as ice packs, heating pads, or stretching exercises that could effectively manage the pain. Since a rash could be a sign of a more serious condition, patients using pain relievers should always check their skin for rashes or lesions, and these should be reported to a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C infection is a recognized trigger for lichen planus. In fact, some experts feel the link between these conditions is so strong that they recommend any patient diagnosed with lichen planus to also be screened for hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver, and the C form of the condition is caused by a virus that can be transmitted through blood. Patients with this form of hepatitis may be asymptomatic for decades, and individuals born between 1945 and 1965 are at five times the risk of this infection compared to the general population.

Individuals who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992 are also at an increased risk of the condition, and doctors recommend they receive a blood test to screen for the condition. If symptoms of hepatitis C occur, they generally include jaundice, weight loss, an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, swelling in the legs, and easy bruising or bleeding. These symptoms are part of an acute phase that normally occurs up to three months after exposure. Antiviral medication is the standard treatment for this form of hepatitis, and many new drugs are currently being researched.