LICHEN PLANUS

LICHEN PLANUS

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory, pruritic, papulosquamous skin disease. Typical cutaneous lesions of lichen planus can be remembered by the
four P's -- purple, polygonal, pruritic, papule.
Lichen planus lesions are small, flat-topped, red-to-violet papules ,most commonly seen on the wrists and flexural surfaces.Lichen planus usually causes itching. The itching can be mild or very bad.

Lichen planus commonly affects the inner wrists, the forearms and the ankles. It may also affect the scalp, the nails, the inside of the mouth, the genitals and the anus. On the scalp, lichen planus may cause hair loss. Lichen planus of the nails can cause brittle or split nails. In the mouth, it looks like white patches on the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue.

Lichen planus may occur abruptly as a generalized, intensely pruritic eruption. Initially, the papules are pinpoint(GUTTATE), numerous, and isolated. The papules may remain discrete or become confluent as large, red, eczematous-like, thin plaques.

Lichen planus of the palms and soles generally occurs as an isolated phenomenon, but may appear simultaneously with disease in other areas.

TYPES:

Oral lichen Planus

Over 50 % of individuals suffering from lichen Planus may have Oral LP

Oral cavity may be the only affected area

Color: whitish-gray

Mouth Dryness with metallic taste

Occasionally painful and tender

Lesions may have a lacy appearance

Vulval lichen planus

As in the mouth, Lichen Planus may cause painless white streaks. Burning discomfort of the vulva, ulcers, redness and tenderness, painful intercourse, and bleeding on are the presenting symptoms.

Penile lichen planus

Reddish-Purple papules are the most common form of lichen planus. Coomnly appear around the glans (the tip of the penis). Itching, burning and ulcers may be the presenting symptom.

Lichen planopilaris

Affects the hair follicles in the form of tiny red papules around a cluster of hairs.

Lichen planus pigmentosa

Appearance of oval greyish or brownish marks may appear on the face, neck, trunk or limbs without any inflammatory phase.

UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY

Approximately 10% of patients have a positive family history. This supports the hypothesis that genetic factors are of etiologic importance.

FOLLICULAR LICHEN PLANUS IN IMAGE

HOMOEOPATHY harmonizes immune response and help prevent lesions.

Homoeopathy boosts normal immune response and fight against viruses and allergens
.