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Lichen planus is itchy, flat, polygonal, purple lumps. Lichen planus can affect the skin, mucous membranes (e.g. in the mouth), as well as the scalp, nails, and genital areas. Oral lesions are especially dangerous as they can lead to the development of oral cancer. What are the causes and symptoms of lichen planus. What is the treatment of this disease?

Lichen planus(red lichen, Latinlichen planus ,lichen ruber , ang lichen planus, LP) is a chronic disease of the skin, mucous membranes, as well as the scalp and nails. In these places, characteristic eruptions appear, which, fortunately, cannot be infected.Lichen planus is not a contagious disease.

Lichen planusoccurs 0.1-2.2 percent. the adult population, usually between the ages of 30 and 60, more often in women than in men.

Lichen planus: causes and risk factors

The causes of the disease are unknown. It is believed that the development oflichen planusis influenced by autoimmune diseases (when the cells of the immune system attack their own body). It often occurs in people diagnosed with cirrhosis, hepatitis, or diabetes.

Changes characteristic oflichen planusare also found in graft versus host disease (GVHD). Medicines can be other factors that trigger the disease, including:

  • penicillamine
  • gold sole
  • arsenic
  • methyldopa
  • para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS).

lichen planus: symptoms

Symptoms of lichen planusdepend on what part of the body is affected:

  • skin- symmetrical, blue-red lumps 1-3 mm in size with a shiny surface. You can see tiny white lines on them, calledWickham stripes . Less frequently you can seeblistersandblisters . These changes may only be a few or several dozen. The eruptions are accompanied by a characteristic itching of the skin (rubbing the skin, not scratching it, brings relief). Eruptions most often appear on the skin of the wrists, lower back, ankles and calves;
  • hairy scalp- redness and irritation,small lumps, thin hair or no hair, scars (scarring alopecia);
  • oral cavity- changes in the form of a white mesh located on the inside of the cheeks. There are also cases where lichen planus appears on the tongue, lips and gums. Accompanying symptoms may include redness and swelling, flaking of the mucosa on the gums, and painful ulcers that may cause a burning sensation;
  • nails- long, yellowish furrows, losses in the nail plate, its gradual chipping. The nail plate may even disappear;
  • genital organs- in women vulva itching is characteristic, accompanied by thickening of the skin in this area and whitish lumps;
Important

Oral lichen planus increases the risk of developing oral cancer

Lichen planusis not considered a precancerous condition, but in the case of an eruption on the oral mucosa, the risk of developing neoplastic lesions in their place increases fivefold. In this case, the development of oral cancer may be influenced to some extent by long-term inflammation. According to some researchers, the localization of eruptions on the tongue and the erosive form are particularly unfavorable.

lichen planus: treatment

As the causes oflichen planusare unknown, onlysymptomatic treatmentis used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease . The patient is administered antihistamines, which include soothe itching. When the changes worsen or persist for a long time, the patient can be given moderate doses of glucocorticosteroids.

You can also use phototherapy (PUVA), which is a skin lightening treatment with the use of light. In contrast, in treatment-resistant forms oflichen planus , cyclosporin and retinoids are administered. Topical treatment involves the use of steroid ointments to reduce swelling and redness.

lichen planus: home treatments

A proven home method forflat lichenin the mouth is a rinse with, for example, mallow or linseed. In addition, the following should be excluded from the menu:

  • spicy foods
  • citrus fruits and their juices (e.g. orange or grapefruit)
  • tomatoes and dishes based on them (sauces and ketchup)
  • crisps and other products containing s alt
  • Also drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea and cola).

These types of products can worsen the symptoms of oral disease. If changes appear onskin, you may soothe your skin with a cold compress or a bath in porridge.

Also read:

  • contagious impetigo
  • Erythroderma or exfoliative dermatitis
  • Folliculitis

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Dermatology