Lichen planus is an immune-related condition that causes itchy, flat-topped, purplish patches on the skin, and white lacy streaks inside the mouth. It can also affect the scalp, nails and genitals. It isn't contagious. Homeopathic treatment works on the immune pattern behind it to calm the rash and reduce relapses. Book a consultation with Dr. Chhavi Bansal today.
What is Lichen Planus?
In lichen planus, the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin or the lining of the mouth. The result is small, shiny, flat-topped bumps with a purple tinge, often on the wrists, ankles, shins and lower back. Look closely and you may see fine white lines on them, called Wickham's striae.
In the mouth, it shows up as white lacy patches on the inside of the cheeks, and sometimes painful sores. Many people with oral lichen planus don't even know they have it until a dentist points it out.
It's different from psoriasis and eczema, though it's often confused with them. And it tends to come and go, which is why patients get frustrated with treatments that only clear the current patches.
Symptoms of Lichen Planus
Symptoms depend on where it appears:
Causes of Lichen Planus
The exact cause isn't known, but these are linked to it:
- Immune reaction : the immune system attacks skin or mucous membrane cells
- Stress : one of the most common triggers for flare-ups
- Certain medicines : some blood pressure, arthritis and malaria medicines can trigger a similar rash
- Hepatitis C : linked with lichen planus in some people
- Dental materials : metal fillings can trigger oral lichen planus in some cases
If Lichen Planus is Left Untreated
- Dark patches that remain after the rash settles
- Painful mouth sores that make eating difficult
- Permanent nail damage
- Scarring hair loss on the scalp
- Long-standing erosive oral lichen planus needs regular checks, as it carries a small risk of change in the mouth lining
How Homeopathy Treats Lichen Planus
The usual treatment is steroid creams, steroid mouth gels and sometimes oral steroids or immune-suppressing medicines. They calm flares, but relapses are common once they're stopped, and long-term use has side effects.
Homeopathy works differently. It works on the immune reaction and the constitutional tendency behind lichen planus, including triggers like stress, so flares become milder and less frequent.
- Reduces itching and burning
- Helps flatten and clear patches
- Soothes oral lichen planus and mouth sores
- Works on stress and other triggers
- Aims to reduce relapses
- No steroids, no side effects
The treatment is completely personalised. Dr. Chhavi Bansal looks at where the lichen planus appears, what triggers it, your stress levels, medicines, general health and temperament, and prescribes a remedy for you specifically.
Dr. Chhavi's Approach to Lichen Planus
She'll ask a lot about stress and emotional strain. In our experience, a big share of lichen planus flare-ups follow a stressful period, and patients often haven't made the connection.
Alongside the medicine, she guides you on avoiding triggers, gentle skin care and, for oral lichen planus, foods to avoid and mouth care.
One honest note. If you have oral lichen planus, keep up regular dental or doctor check-ups, and get any sore that doesn't heal or any new lump in the mouth examined.