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What is lichen planus?
Lichen planus is a skin disease of unknown cause which appears as a purplish flat or raised grouping of lesions, especially on the wrists and ankles. It can occur anywhere on the skin, scalp, nails, inside the mouth or on the genitals. The rash of lichen planus is very itchy or causes burning especially in the mouth or genitals.
While most cases occur without a known cause, some patients who are taking certain medications for high blood pressure or arthritis can develop lichen planus. If these are stopped, the lichen planus eruption may clear within a few months. Patients with Hepatitis C are also more likely to have this skin condition.
On the scalp, this condition can cause scarring and hair loss, called lichen planopilaris. Topical cortisone lotions or injections of cortisone into the scalp may help.
If it occurs on the nails, they may become ridged, grooved, thinned, split, or even permanently lost.
What can be done for lichen planus?
If a medication is the cause, it must be stopped. See your physician for a substitute medication. Topical cortisone creams may be tried for symptom relief however, this is not a cure.
Homeopathic treatments have been effective in permanently clearing the eruption in some cases. See www.lichenplanus.com.
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