Lichen planus: symptoms, causes, medication, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition of lichen planus

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the skin, nails and lining of the mouth. Its occurrence is marked by the appearance of red-purple spots.

This condition is usually temporary, lasts 10 years on average and most commonly affects adults over 40.

Often this disease does not cause severe symptoms, so you can treat it yourself at home. However, if the spots are itchy or even painful, you will certainly need medicines from your doctor.

Lichen planus is not infectious skin disease. So, you don't have to worry about catching it when you are near people who suffer from this disease.

How common is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is very common, but usually occurs more frequently in women than in men. Although common in adults, lichen planus can affect patients of any age.

Fortunately, this condition can be managed by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms of lichen planus

On the skin, this type of skin disease will cause reddish purple spots or bumps that look shiny and tight.

These spots can appear anywhere on the body, but are more common on the wrists, back, bottom, and ankles.

Most people have fewer freckles, but some have a large number of scattered spots.

Other accompanying symptoms are:

• appear scales that feel rough on the area of ​​the skin where lumps continue to grow,
• itchy rash,
• blisters (less common), and
• pain, especially if a lump appears on the skin around the genitals.

As already mentioned, lichen planus can also occur on the nails. The signs that will appear include:

• a protrusion or indentation on the nail,
• nails that appear to be splitting or thinning, and
• loss of nails, can be temporary or permanent.

Generally, this disease only affects a few nails.

Whereas in lichen planus that occurs in the mouth, symptoms often appear on the inside of the cheeks, but it can also be on the tongue, lips, and gums. The signs are:

• the appearance of small white patches or streaks inside the mouth that look like lace,
• swollen and reddish gums,
• peeling gums, as well
• the appearance of sores that are painful or cause a burning sensation.

When to see a doctor?

You should get checked out immediately if the lump is causing irritating pain and heat.

Additionally, see a doctor when you experience symptoms of lichen planus on your mouth, genitals, scalp, or nails.

Everyone's body is different, the response that will be given when attacked by a disease will be different too. If you are concerned about certain symptoms, please consult a doctor.

Causes and risk factors for lichen planus

What causes lichen planus?

The cause of lichen planus is not certain. It is strongly suspected that this disease occurs because of a problem with the work of the immune system.

The immune system works to protect the body from disease. In people who have autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly considers proteins in the skin or mucosa to be harmful foreign substances. Thus, the body attacks these proteins and causes various symptoms on the skin.

Another possibility, there are several things that can trigger the emergence of this disease. Among others are:

• use of some medications such as diuretics (drugs for high blood pressure and heart disease) or pain relievers,
• hepatitis C infection,
• metal fillings on the teeth that can accumulate planus lichen in the mouth, and
• flu vaccine.

What increases the risk of developing lichen planus?

This disease can affect anyone. However, there are factors that can increase a person's risk for experiencing it. These factors include:

• not maintaining oral hygiene,
• smoke,
• often drink alcohol,
• have an infectious disease such as hepatitis C,
• have an allergic reaction to certain substances or substances, and
• have a family history of lichen planus.

Diagnosis and treatment

How is this disease diagnosed?

Often times, doctors can find out what disease you have just by looking at the symptoms on the skin, nails, or the inside of your mouth.

However, in order to make a diagnosis, sometimes doctors will also carry out further examinations such as:

• a biopsy, by taking a small sample of the affected skin or tissue to be examined under a microscope,
• hepatitis C test, through a blood draw to see the possibility of the virus, or
• allergy test.

What are my treatment options for lichen planus?

Often, lichen planus that is mild does not require special treatment. Symptoms can go away on their own even though it will take months to years.

New medicines will be needed when symptoms such as itching or pain become unbearable and interfere with your activities. The types of drugs that are usually used to treat this condition are as follows.

• Corticosteroid ointments: simply apply it over the problematic skin area. If the condition gets worse, the doctor may give you drugs in the form of pills or injections. Corticosteroids are only used for the short term.
• Anti-infective drugs: one type is the oral antibiotic drug metronidazole.
• Immune system suppressants: for more severe symptoms, drugs such as azathioprine or mycophenolate will be given to block the overwork of the immune system.
• Antihistamines: to reduce the itching that occurs due to lichen planus.

In some cases, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo phototherapy. The type of phototherapy that is often done for lichen planus is therapy that uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light.

Phototherapy will help remove freckles and improve the appearance of the skin.

Patients must undergo therapy for several weeks, the duration depends on each condition. Usually, phototherapy is carried out two to three times a week.

If the situation does not improve after being given drugs or therapy, the doctor will prescribe an oral retinoid drug such as acitretin. Unfortunately, this drug is not recommended for pregnant women because it can pose a risk of birth defects.

Whatever treatment you choose, you still have to consult with your doctor first. This is important so that you can ensure that the use of drugs or therapy is really appropriate and safe for your condition.

Home remedies

It's difficult to prevent oral lichen planus, but there are things you can do to control the symptoms. Among others are:

• avoid stress,
• not scratching the itchy area,
• applying a cold compress or oatmeal bath to reduce itching,
• reduce or stop smoking,
• brush your teeth twice a day, as well
• reduce consumption of acidic, spicy, and caffeine-containing foods.

You also need to have regular dental checkups so that any problems with your teeth or mouth can be identified and treated early.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.