I understand your concern and will try to help you to the best of my ability. Lichen Planus is an Autoimmune disease, inflammatory skin lesion seen on scalp, arms, legs, mouth, nails, vulva, vagina and penis, elbows, wrists, ankles. It is non infectious, non hereditary. The rashes are small, many sided, pink or purple lesions, itchy at night. The cause is not known, but sometimes may result in thiazide diuretics, antimalarial and phenothiazine and Gold injections for Arthritis and people who work in photography development. Certain percentage of people who suffers from Hepatitis C and other liver diseases may also get Lichen Planus. They are more usually seen in Women than men, but can affect both sexes. It may take 1-2 years to disappear but may reappear again. In some individuals it may not comeback. Usually the oral lesion takes a much longer time to disappear. Some people link this disease to nutrition while some link it to weather. When once it is seen on an individual, it leaves a scar that can be seen depending on the person's color of the skin.
However spicy, crispy foods may exacerbate the condition. Itchiness is present depending on the site involved. Usually itchy but oral lesions may not be itchy. If it attacks the hair it may lead to irritation and redness may end up in hair loss also. Usually family doctor can diagnose Lichen Planus if not, ultimately the Dermatologist, which can be confirmed by a punch biopsy. Sometimes the dentist can diagnose if the patient had come for a dental check up. It is only a symptomatic treatment, but it may take months to years. Treatment depends on the type and place it involved. For itching, patient can have
- Antihistamines,
- Ultraviolet photo therapy (If available)
- Topical Steroid Creams
- Immunosuppressant
Last but not the least, patient should be calm. It so happens when the patient does not get better with Allopathic medicine; he/she should switch over to Ayurvedic or Homeopathic medicine. Whether how far they help in each individual, only they have to tell.