Kenneth Kee - Lichen Planus, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

Take a well Balanced Diet 2. Treatment depends on the severity and typeof Lichen Planus. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptomsand speed healing. a. Mild cases may not require anytreatment b. c. c.

Most cases of Lichen Planus lie inbetween. At the present moment there is no known curefor lichen planus. Medicines have been able to reduce theseverity of inflammation and improve the quality of life. a. Topical Medicines include: i. ii. ii.

Vitamin A as a cream (topical retinoicacid) iii. Tar lotions, ointments, creams, andshampoo iv. Other medicines that are applied to theskin such as tacrolimus and pimecroliumus v. Dressings placed over skin medicines toprotect from scratching d. Systemic therapy (oral drugs that affectthe whole body system): Immunosuppressant medications i. Cyclosporine, ii.

Methotrexate iii. Oral retinoid (acitretin) iv. Oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone)to reduce swelling and lower immune responses Corticosteroids shots into a sore v. Hydroxychloroquine vi. Tacrolimus vii. Dapsone e.

Phototherapy (with ultraviolet B, psoralenwith ultraviolet A, radiation) f. Combined therapy is frequently used. g. New therapies such as the biologic agentshas improved the condition h. Antihistamines for itch 3. Keep bones and body strong Bone marrow produces our blood Eat foods rich in calcium like yogurt,cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.

Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fattyfish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such asgreen vegetables and fruits Zinc and other minerals are important to thebody 4. Get enough rest and Sleep Avoid stress and tension 5. Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise suchas walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weightsfor 2 hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutesa day at least 5 days a week.

Begin slowly especially if a person has notbeen active. 6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks aday for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance offalling and breaking a bone. Alcohol can affect the neurons and braincells. 7.

Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply andhealing.

About 80% of people have red small papulesthat joined together to from rough scaly patches. The skin usually grows very more quickly andis thicker than usual. 2. Mucosal Lichen Planus (small, red papularlesion of the mouth and mucous membranes) Lichen Planus occurs more in females than inmales. It is also more common in the middleaged. It is rare in children What are the causes of Lichen Planus? The cause of Lichen Planus is unknown.

It may be related to an allergic or immunereaction 1. Allergic reactions to medications for highblood pressure (methyl dopa), dyes, and other chemicals (includinggold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine,quinide, phenothiazines and diuretics.) 2. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection 3. Stress aggravate the condition 4. Allergic reactions to amalgam and goldfilling can cause oral lesions What are the symptoms of Lichen Planus? Onset is sudden or gradual. They may last weeks or months and berecurrent.

Frequently they become chronic. Symptoms Skin rash The typical rash of lichen planus iswell-defined: 1. Pruritic, 2. Planar, 3. Purple, 4. Papular. Papular.

When seen under the microscope the papuleshave characteristic network of white lines (Wickham's striae) a. They are usually found on the inner wrist,legs, torso, or genitals b. They are itchy c. They have even sides (symmetrical) andsharp borders d. They occur in single lesion or clusters,often at the site of skin injury e. They may be covered with thin whitestreaks or scratch marks (called Wickham's striae) f.

They are shiny or scaly looking g. They have a dark, reddish-purple color onthe skin or are gray-white in the mouth h. They may develop blisters or ulcers Lesions are symmetrical, usually on flexorsurfaces of the arm near the wrist and the ankle. Nails are frequently involved with pittingand thinning of the nail plate. Oral lichen planus occurs in 50% ofpatients: Mouth sores a. They may be tender or painful (mild casesmay not cause plain) b.

They are located on the sides of thetongue, inside of the cheek or gums c. They look like blue-white spots or"pimples" d. They form lines in a lacy network e. They gradually increase in size of theaffected area f. They sometimes form painful ulcers Other symptoms: a. Dry mouth b.

Hair loss c. Metallic taste in the mouth d. Ridges in the nails (nailabnormalities) How is Lichen Planus diagnosed? The doctor may make the diagnosis based onthe appearance of the skin or mouth lesions. A skin lesion biopsy or biopsy of a mouthlesion can confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests may be done to rule outhepatitis. 1.

Reticular form - most common rash, occursas white streaks on the mucosa (known as Wickham's striae) orpapules with small raised area. The lesions are present on the gums, thetongue, palate and lips. The lesions are present on both sides of themouth 2. Bullous form - fluid-filled vesicles 3. Erosive form - erythematous (red) areaswhich are ulcerated. This form may become malignant.