Note: Homeopathic Treatment requires strict individualization. Please do not take any medicine without consulting your physician/homeopath.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is an uncommon skin complaint. It
is thought to be due to an abnormal immune reaction provoked by
a viral infection or a drug. Inflammatory cells seem to mistake
the skin cells as foreign and attack them.
Lichen planus may cause a small number of skin lesions
or less often affect a wide area of the skin and mucous membranes.
In 85% of cases it clears from skin surfaces within 18 months
but it may persist longer especially when affecting the mouth
or genitals.
Lichen Planus SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS
Classical lichen planus is characterized by shiny, flat-topped,
firm papules (bumps) varying from pin point size (‘guttate’)
to larger than a centimetre. They are a purple colour and often
are crossed by fine white lines (called ‘Wickham's striae’).
They may be close together or widespread, or grouped in lines (linear
lichen planus) or rings (annular lichen planus). Linear lichen planus
can be the result of scratching or injuring the skin. Although sometimes
there are no symptoms, it is often very itchy.
Lichen planus may affect any area, but is most often seen on the
front of the wrists, lower back, and ankles. On the palms and soles
the papules are firm and yellow. Very thick scaly patches are particularly
itchy and are most likely to arise around the ankles (hypertrophic
lichen planu).
New lesions may appear while others are clearing. As the lichen
planus papules clear they are often replaced by areas of greyish-brown
discolouration, especially in darker skinned people. This is called
postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and can persist for months.
Lichen Planus - HOMEOPATHIC
TREATMENT & MEDICINES
Antim crud., Ars-alb., Ars-iod., Jugl-c., Kali-bi., Sul-iod are
the homeopathic medicines known to work best in cases of Lichen
Planus.
REFERENCE WORKS
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed, McGraw-Hill
Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996,
Churchill Livingstone
New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William
Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain |
