How long does lichen planus take to clear up?
Lichen planus is a relatively common skin disease that occurs in episodes lasting months or even years. The visible purple swelling and irritation not only causes pain but can also affect self-esteem and self-confidence. The intense distress caused by the lichen planus disease can cause difficulty in undertaking the simplest daily activities. However, with the right treatment plan, you can accelerate the healing.
What causes lichen planus?
Lichen planus is not contagious; it appears when the immune system attacks the skin or mucous membrane. Certain things that trigger the immune system include:
- Certain OTC pain medications (e.g. ibuprofen)
- Medications used for hypertension, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease
- Hepatitis C
- Viral infections
- Certain allergens
- Genetics
- Stress
- Certain chemicals or metals
Lichen planus causes itchy reddish-purple bumps to develop on the skin (mostly the ankles, wrists, and forearm). The condition can also develop as painful, white sores within the mouth and sometimes the genitals.
If you have developed a purple rash or bump that resembles lichen planus symptoms it’s worth a visit to your dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Conventional treatments for lichen planus
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Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroid ointment or cream for lichen planus disease is a commonly prescribed over-the-counter medication that reduces inflammation and pain. Common side-effects of topical corticosteroids include skin thinning or skin irritation where the cream is applied and oral thrush (a type of fungus that accumulates in the mouth) may occur. If steroids are used for long periods as treatment, they may result in complications that could be challenging to reverse.
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Phototherapy:
Phototherapy (light therapy) may help clear up lichen planus affecting the skin. Ultraviolet B light is used typically for phototherapy; this penetrates the upper layer of the skin.
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Retinoids:
If the condition doesn't respond to light therapy or corticosteroids, you might get a retinoid medication prescribed such as acitretin.
Retinoids can cause birth defects. These drugs are not recommended for those looking to get pregnant or pregnant women.
It is recommended to consult a skin specialist before undertaking any treatment for lichen planus disease. Some drugs and vitamin supplements can result in serious adverse reactions when combined with prescription medicines.
Also read: https://www.drbatras.com/tips-to-successfully-manage-and-treat-lichen-planus
Homeopathy treatment for lichen planus
Lichen planus is a chronic and stubborn disease to treat, but with homeopathy; recovery from this skin condition is possible. Homeopathy focuses on controlling the spread of the disease to reduce the lesions.
Homeopathic treatments for lichen planus disease are prepared from a wide range of natural sources. Compared to conventional treatment, which is dominated by the use of cortisone, homeopathic treatment is curative, safe, and longer-lasting.
A homeopath will consider the patient’s personality, lifestyle, hereditary factors, and the history of lichen planus before selecting homeopathic medicines. This will help to heal the causative factors of lichen planus without causing side effects. Deranged immunity is known to be the basic cause of the disease. Homeopathic medicines boost and correct this deranged immunity.
According to a study published by the Indian Association of Dermatologists Venereologists & Leprologists (IADVL), homeopathic medicines like Thuja, Sulphur, Antim-crud. and Sepia have already been tested and proved effective in controlling lichen planus disease.
At Dr Batra’s®, we have successfully treated skin conditions including lichen planus disease of more than 1.4 lakh patients with 94.3% positive treatment outcome (authenticated by American Quality Assessors) over the last 35 years.Book an appointmentwith us for effective and long-term relief from lichen planus.
