Guide To Treating Lichen Planus

Immune Response Medicines

Immune response medicines modify or suppress the body’s immune response. They can also stimulate an individual's immune system response. One of the preferred immune response medicines for lichen planus of the mucous membranes is a topical calcineurin inhibitor such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus. These medications are used to treat inflammatory diseases like lichen planus. Pimecrolimus works by lessening a person’s immune system reaction and slowing down the growth of skin disorders such as lichen planus. It comes in cream form and is applied directly to the affected area. Tacrolimus is also a topically applied medication used to treat the disorder, and it works by decreasing the activity of immune system cells and slow down the growth of lichen planus bumps and irritation on the skin.

Light Therapy

Light therapy remains another frequently used treatment for lichen planus and other skin disorders. This therapy, also known as laser treatments, work well to cure the symptoms of many various skin disorders, and lichen planus is no exception to this. Light therapy, or phototherapy, works by slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing skin inflammation. Also called phototherapy, this therapy uses a UVB lightbox to penetrate the top layer or epidermis of the skin. Sunburn is possible using UVB phototherapy. Usually, a combination of phototherapy and a medication such as a psoralen may be used together to treat skin disorders. Phototherapy requires two or three treatment sessions per week for a few weeks to reduce lichen planus symptoms.