Lichen Planus (LP) is believed to be autoimmune condition with an unknown causative and triggering factor. It presents itself with skin lesions characterize by 6 P’s i.e. Planar [flat topped], Purple, Polygonal, Pruritic, Papules and Plaques;
Although it may present itself with variety of other lesions as well.

The Lesions typically shows interspersed lacy white lines which are called Wicham’s Striae

It can affect anywhere on Skin Nails and Mucous membranes of any region.

The lesion may show any of the following pattern Annular, Linear, Hypertrophic, Atrophic, Bullous, Ulcerative, Pigmented.

Etiopathology

What are the causes?

It is non contagious condition and is not related to any known pathogen; it is believed to be T-cell driven autoimmune reaction which triggers apoptosis of the epithelial cells; It is believed that this process is in response to some unidentified antigenic change in oral mucosa

What is Lichenified Reaction?

There are certain conditions where the skin lesions shows similarity with Lichen Planus lesions , in both clinical appearance to naked eye as well as histopathology under microscope but unlike Lichen Planus there are known underlying causative factors such conditions are termed lichenfied reactions.

Few examples which may cause Lichenified Reaction

• In certatin drug reactions esp. due to beta blockers quinine thiazide diuretics furosemide spironolactone metformin and penicillin
• Reactions to metal alloy fillings
• Graft Versus-Host disease typically presents with chronic lichenified skin lesions on palms soles upper trunk and face after several months
• Hepatitis ; esp due to Hepatitis B virus infection ; Hepatitis C virus infection ; primary biliary cirrhosis
• stress and lifestyle as major impact on lichen planus it may trigger erruptions
• lichen planus may be an accompanying symptom of Grinspan’s Syndrome

Diagnosis

LP can be diagnosed clinically with brief history and character of skin lesions characterize by 6 P’s i.e. Planar [flat topped], Purple, Polygonal, Pruritic, Papules and Plaques; it typically has Lichen-like appearance; always Biopsy is Gold Standard to establish diagnosis.

HOMEOPATHIC Treatment Approach and Homeopathic Medicines for Lichen Planus.

Can LP be Cured?

Allopathy System has no cure the condition it can only relieve symptoms temporarily and does have side effects

Homeopathy is known system of medicines which can cure lichen planus without having any side effects

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR LICHEN PLANUS WITH INDICATIONS OF COMMON HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES.

LICHEN PLANUS

Explanation of indicated remedies on website are as follows.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS

Thuja has main sphere of action on the skin. Acting on the skin thuja causes painful sensitiveness of skin. Very useful remedy in case of Lichen planus. Thuja is very beneficial for inverterate skin troubles and chronic or stubborn skin conditions like lichen planus, psoriasis eczema, warts. Erruptions occur only on the covered parts of the body. The erruptions burn violently after scratching. Dry sensitive skin with hyperpigmented brown spots. Skin sensitive to touch. The skin usually looks unhealthy all over body. Aggravation of complaints usually at night from heat of bed.

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM

Antimonium crudum is one of the indicated remedies in case of Lichen planus. Acting on the skin, causes ulcerations and has a tendency to grow warts, callosities, bad nails. Hard horny excrescences grow under the nails and is extremely painful. Pustular erruptions with inflammation. Itching especially on the neck, chest, back and limbs. Erruptions chiefly appear in the evening which itch in the heat of bed and disturb sleep. Formation of thick, hard scabs with oozing. Deformed nails. Degeneration of skin. Burning and itching worse scratching at night.

CALCAREA FLOURICA

Calcarea flour is a powerful tissue remedy. Indicated in case of lichen planus. Patient usually presents with marked whiteness of skin. Cracks and fissures in the palms of hand. The skin seems hard. Useful in hard elevated edges of ulcer, surrounding skin is purple and swollen. Worse during change of weather and better by warmth.

SILICEA

Silicea is one of the frequently indicated remedy in case of lichen planus, psoriasis etc. Suited to complaints that develop slowly. Acting on the skin Silicea causes inflammation. Most scaly erruptions alternating with dry erruptions. There is hyperpigmentation of spots, coppery spots. Erruptions usually itch only in the day time. Silicea usually hastens formation of abscess. There is imperfect assimilation and defective nutrition.

SULPHUR

Sulphur is one of the widely used medicine to treat various kind of skin disorders. It is a very valuable remedy in treatment of lichen planus. Papules and erruptions with extreme dryness of skin. Intense itching of skin. Scratching of skin leads to intense burning of affected parts which is a marked indication of sulphur. Complaints are usually worse at night from warmth of bed. Burning in palms and soles is stricking feature of sulphur. Sulphur is a gneral antipsoric for almost every kind of itch. Unhealthy, dirty filthy individuals are prone to skin infections.

ARSENIC IODATUM

Ars iod is efficient remedy in case of lichen planus. Ars iod is a very good remedy for skin conditions like lichen planus, psoriasis, eczema. Marked exfoliation of skin in large scales, leaving raw exuding surface beneath. The skin is cold touch, dryness of skin. It cures all syphilitic erruptions where the symptoms agree, where erruptions have been suppressed by local treatments. There is marked excoriation, itching, burning and stinging pain with rough skin.

BORAX

Borax is often indicated in case of Oral lichen planus. Presents with ulcers inside the cheeks And on tongue. Excessive heat in the mouth. Dry hot, tender apthous ulcers usually bleed on eating or by touch. Mouth remains extremely dry. Ulcers in mouth extend to throat, even to stomach. Difficult healing of skin. Unhealthy skin, every little injury tends to ulcerate. Itching on back of finger joints. Erruptions on fingers and hands.

MERCURIOUS SOLUBILIS

Every organ or tissue of the body is more or less affected by this powerful remedy. Very often indicated in case of oral lichen planus. Presents with irregular ulcerd inside cheeks. The cheeks give a very unhealthy and dirty appearance. Salivary secretions are greatly increased. Painful raged swollen bleeding gums. Highly offenseive odour from mouth with metallic taste in mouth. Skin is almost constantly moist. Vesicular erruptions with severe itching worse from warmth of bed.