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Homeopathic Remedies for Lichen Planus Treatment

Homeopathic Remedies for lichen Planus

Lichen Planus is a chronic, non-infectious, inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system cannot differentiate between its own cells and foreign cells, hence it mistakenly starts attacking its own normal cells.

Role Of Homeopathy In Lichen Planus

Homeopathy helps in treating all types of Lichen Planus in a very effective manner. Since homeopathic medicines are completely natural, they correct the disordered immune system without suppressing it, in a harmless way. While working on the immune system, they also help in treating the skin lesions of LP and the pigmentation associated with it. Lichen Planus is a complex disorder and should not be mistaken as mere hyperpigmentation.

Conventional method: The conventional system of medicine does not have much to offer in cases of LP. In order to control the immune-mediated responses, immuno suppressants like corticosteroids are prescribed, orally or topically. It is suppression of the problem, rather than a solution. As soon as these steroids are discontinued, the improvement stops and one finds oneself back at square one.

Top Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Lichen Planus

The main medicines to treat Lichen Planus are Sulphur, Arsenicum Album, Merc Sol, Sulph Iod, Kali Iod and Anthrakokali.

1. Sulphur – Best Remedy For Cutaneous Lichen Planus

Sulphur is the most efficient and widely used natural medicine to treat various kinds of skin disorders especially in cutaneous lichen planus, when the eruptions tend to increase rapidly and have already worsened due to local application of other ointments. Patients having cutaneous LP with papules and extreme skin dryness, who have unhealthy skin, respond very well to Sulphur. Extreme itching in the eruptions is best treated by this remedy.  Scratching is marked and provides some relief from itching. In such cases, a burning sensation may follow scratching. The itching generally worsens toward night and when getting warm in bed.

When and How to use Sulphur?

Sulphur helps in taking care of the dry patches and relieves itching in cases of LP. It acts in all potencies, from lowest to highest but in cases of LP, it should always be given in 30C or less to begin with.

Note The use of Sulphur should always be done under the supervision of a physician.

2. Arsenicum Album For Eruptions That Are Scaly And Itchy

Arsenicum Album proves to be very efficient in classic cases of Lichen Planus, with blue eruptions, that are dry, rough and scaly in appearance. Scaling is intense in such cases. The eruptions can be extremely dry, causing a lot of itching, forcing the sufferer to scratch constantly. The more one scratches, the worse it gets, especially at night. The medicine Arsenicum Album is also indicated in the later stages when the plaques have resolved leaving the underlying skin hard. It is also helpful in cases of LP of the scalp when there are thick scabs on the scalp.

When and How to use Arsenicum Album?

Arsenicum Album is used to treat active eruptions when scaling and itching is marked. It is also used when the skin has hardened after the eruptions subside. It is usually indicated in higher potencies, 200C or more, with infrequent repetitions.

3. Sulphur Iod Top Treatment For Lichen Planus Of Face, Arms

Sulphur Iod is considered the best natural medicine for Lichen Planus when the face and arms are covered with papular eruptions, with constant itching. When indicated, the arms are covered with an itchy rash. Sulphur Iod helps treat cases of obstinate LP.

When and How to use Sulph Iod?

Sulph Iod is given when the face and arms are affected with LP. It is used in ‘x’ potencies in such cases, 3x is a good enough potency to begin with.

Note Sulph Iod is a different remedy and should not be mistaken as Sulphur.

4. Merc Sol One Of The Best Remedies For Mucosal Lichen Planus

Merc Sol is one of the top natural remedies for Mucosal Lichen Planus, especially oral Lichen Planus. Merc Sol is an ideal remedy when the main complaint of the patient is irregular ulcers inside the cheeks. The edges are not well defined. The cheeks give a very unhealthy and dirty appearance. In addition to these ulcers, there is increased saliva and bad odour emanates from the mouth.

When and How to use Merc Sol?

Merc Sol is given in cases of Oral LP when there is intense ulceration along with burning in the mouth. Being a strong remedy, it is preferred in low potencies like 30C.

5. Kali Iodatum For Lichen Planus Of Legs

Kali Iodatum helps cases of LP when there are purple patches present on the body, especially legs. These eruptions are generally dry and papular. In such patients, itching increases mainly at night or from heat, even from the heat of bedcovers.

When and How to use Kali Iod?

Kali Iod is used when LP mainly affects legs but is not necessarily limited to it. Kali Iod is used in ‘x’ potencies, or sometimes in the tincture form too.

6. Anthrakokali For Lichen Planus With Eruptions On Hand, Feet

Anthrakokali is a very rare natural medicine that can help a number of Lichen Planus patients. Being rare does not mean that this natural remedy has a less powerful effect than other well-known medicines. Anthrakokali shows its effect when papular eruptions are prominently present on hands and feet. The papules may also cover scrotum in males. There is intense itching in the papular eruptions. This medicine also gives good results in the Lichen Planus cases where the dominant site is skin over the tibia (the bone in the front part of a leg).

When and How to use Anthrakokali?

Anthrakokali is given for dry eruptions on hands or feet. It is used in a trituration form, mainly 6x potency.

What Causes LP?

Lichen Planus is a cell-mediated immune response of unknown origin. It may accompany other diseases of altered immunity, such as ulcerative colitis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, dermatomyositis, morphea, lichen sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, etc. Although the cause of Lichen Planus is usually unknown, some possible causes include:

1. Genetic predisposition

2. Physical and emotional stress

3. Injury to skin: Lichen Planus often appears where the skin has been scratched or after surgery (Kobner phenomenon)

4. Localized skin diseases, such as Herpes Zoster

5. Systemic viral infection, such as Hepatitis C

6. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high BP, diabetes, heart disease and malaria; gold, quinine, quinidine, and others can cause a lichenoid rash.

7. Contact allergy, such as metal fillings in oral lichen planus (rare) and color photographic developers

Types  & Symptoms of Lichen Planus:

The symptoms of Lichen Planus depend on the parts affected. The main types along with the symptoms are:

1. Cutaneous Lichen Planus:

The term cutaneous means ‘skin’. This is the classical type of Lichen Planus, when the skin, nails or hair get affected. The symptoms can range from zero to intense itching, along with the following:

1. Flat-topped, purple-coloured, shining papules(hard elevation without fluid) on the skin, sometimes with white, lacy lines.

2. The main sites are the inner forearm, wrist, legs, ankles, and face.

3. It can be of the size of head of a pin to a centimeter.

4. The papules may appear in rings or in a line. The lesions are typically bilateral and symmetrical, meaning they are similarly placed on both sides of the body.

5. Plaques resolve after a few months to leave a greyish-brown rash that can take a year or more to fade away.

6. The nails, when affected can either become thin, brittle or ridged OR dark, thick, or raised. They can sometimes shed off or stop growing.

7. On the scalp, red patches can form around clusters of hair and can also lead to irreversible hair loss.

2. Mucosal Lichen Planus:

When the innermost mucus secreting layer of the body gets affected, it is termed as Mucosal Lichen Planus. The main areas to get affected are the mucosa of the mouth (Oral LP) and genitals. These parts can be affected individually or together at the same time. When the mucosa gets affected, the presenting symptoms based on the location are:

 A. Oral LP:

1. Mild Oral LP does not cause a lot of burning or discomfort

2. A whitish pattern on the gums, tongue or teeth

3. Red or white patches in the mouth

4. Painful red gums that may bleed

5. Burning in the mouth, causing difficulty in eating or drinking

B. LP in males, affecting penis:

1. Purple or white ring-shaped patches around the penis, generally non-itchy.

2. Formation of flat-topped papules on the penis that are a little shiny

C.  LP in females, affecting the vagina and vulva:

1. The vulva (external genitals) can be white, red or pale in color.

2. There can be a lot of burning and soreness in the affected areas.

3. Sticky yellow or white vaginal discharge, which can also be bloodstained

4. Painful sexual intercourse, when the vagina gets affected.

5. Narrowing of the opening of vagina due to scar tissue formation

3. Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP)

1. Lichen Planus Pigmentosus is a rare form of Lichen Planus.

2. Mainly found on the areas exposed to the Sun, like forehead, neck, and temples

3. Present as brown or gray patches on the skin

4. It can also develop on areas where the skin touches or rubs together, for example: groin

5. LPP can be triggered by viral infections, UV light or local applications on skin

Management Of LP

Some dos and don’ts that are generally advised to those affected with LP are:

1. Vitamin D supplementation in the deficient: Studies have shown a strong relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune disorders. So it is advised to get your Vitamin D levels checked and appropriate supplements to be taken if there is a deficiency. To be noted that Vitamin D supplements should not be taken without getting the blood values checked so as to prevent its toxicity.

2. Use of moisturizing lotions to tackle dryness

3. Sunscreen lotions to be used every 2-3 hours to prevent further pigmentation and triggers.

4. Applying cold compression for burning of skin

5. In cases of Oral LP, smoking to be avoided. Consuming highly spicy or acidic food can also worsen the symptoms so should be avoided.

6. Avoid any specific triggering factors, if known.

Pathophysiology

 The cause of LP is unknown. But since it is an autoimmune disease, what is happening is a T-cell-mediated response at the basal (deepest) layer of the skin. The body mistakenly invites cytokines (that usually control the growth and activity of the cells), which are responsible for cellular death at the deepest layer of the skin. This further results in disruption of melanin (skin pigment) production, hence the purple pigmentation and further thickening of the skin takes place.

 

 

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Comments

  1. Lalitha says:

    Hello doctor
    Is there any preventive medicine for lichen plannus

  2. Licsrinu says:

    I am suffering from lichen planus for last 15 years
    all medicines is take no use
    Itching legs and hands please let me know the best homeopathy medicine for curing this
    Please advise Homeopathy medicines
    I should be taking
    From
    Licsrinu
    Rajahmundry( Andhra Pradesh )

  3. Taranjeet Kaur says:

    Hello Doc,

    I have been suffering from Oral Lichen Planus past 3 years, life has become terrible, its in my inside cheeks, my upper part of the tooth is reddish in color, its on the tongue even, have tried allopathy but no use, now past one month taking ayurvedic medicines but again no use, Kindly suggest as what can I do, can it be vanish completely, fed up with it,

    Pls suggest

  4. please remove the content

  5. Hi ,

    I have been suffering from this , Please let me know the best medicine for curing this

    Thanks

  6. ramesh gupta says:

    I am suffering from Lichen Planus for last 10 months all over my body. I have been given a number of steroid creams by my doctor and dermatologist but they are not helping much. The ITCHING is quite bad.
    I went to a homeopathic doctor, but he failed completely as there was no relief.

    The only thing which really helped me was the steroid tablets given by the dermatologist for 3 weeks, while i was taking the tablets there was a great relief in Itching, but once the medicine finished the rash and itching got worse again. There are small spots which turn into lumps and Itching becomes very intense.

    Please advise what medicine I should be taking.

    Thanks

    Ramesh Gupta

    England

  7. Hemlata Sharma says:

    Hi i am having redness on my gums, and it burns when I eat hot and spicy, also I have inside my cheeks bumpy surface with gray lines. Pleaae suggest what I can do?

  8. My son diagnosed with Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) an year ago. Do you treat patient with OLP? Is it 100% curable? If so, how long does it take? what are the treatment options?
    Thanks

    • Rabindra Mondal says:

      Doctor I am suffering from oral lichen planus from the last 15 years. So much of medicines I have used with the help of the doctors but everything goes in vain. Please advice me what shall I do?

  9. Raver bhamra says:

    My wife suffered LP 2 years back that started from down the knee area both legs with dark bumps with lots of eatching.
    As a treatment she was given corticosteroids in 2-3 episodes in 2 to 3 months with similar kind of ointment. This was intermediatly repeated when symptoms aggravated.
    The medication improved the condition but simultaneously dark patches appeared on tongue that gave burning sensation with little consumption of chilly or spicy food.
    Now, the problems of legs has improved up to 90% but it is there on tongue.
    Can it be cured with homeopathy?
    Pl send in the details how to go about it.

  10. Indra Ramnarine says:

    Dr. Sharma. my sister was diagnosed with Lichen Planus…we noticed her forehead from her hairline to the eyebrows looking discolored. the inner part of her ears are very dark. now she says she has itching and we noticed that its progressing down the side of her face and eyelids. she does not have any swellings or eruptions. can you recommend something? Your article says sulphur lod or Thujas is very good to use but how do we use this..can you tell pls? What exactly is Thujas?. We in the Trinidad and Tobago so dont know if we have that here. Thanks much. Indra

  11. My daughter has vular lichen planus. She sees a naturopath and nothing helps. It has been aboit 15 years. She also has him issues Suggestuons?
    Thank you

  12. l8chen planus on scalp and fore head for 10 yrs.
    age 52 yrs.

  13. Ashok Kumar says:

    Sir,
    I have lichen planus in my head skin. There are a lot of cones in skin of head. After taking too long treatment in homeopathy also, it is not going and having a lot of itching. There are also black marks spot on the edges of nose. Please suggest me some medicine for the same.
    Thanks,
    Ashok Kumar,
    9899541617

  14. Anita Maity says:

    I have been suffering from lichen in the tounge for 14 years.

  15. Amit verma says:

    Mummy oral lochen planus age 65 old

  16. What remedies do you recommend for lichen sclerosis? Same as above for lichen planus?

  17. Mallika Malhotra says:

    Hi Dr Sharma

    I almost an year back developed some red inflammation on interior sides of my arms extending from underarms extending outwards in linear form .

    Those red inflammation went but left dark brown spots on my skin . I got a biopsy done which indicated them to be as lichen stratiatus . I researched a lot regarding this medical condition and could not find any treatment , and probably expected to go on its own .

    However , Its been an year and i see no improvement of the appearance of the spots .I will be grateful if you could please help me deal with this medical condition .

    Hope to hear from you soon .

    Thanks
    Mallika

  18. Junaid shaikh says:

    Sir can I meet u …..but sir I have a question …if I take any medicine frome given above so it’s not constitutional it’s like therapeutic so…… what I do sir…plz tell me ….I m suffering from lichen planus sir plz msg me Mo .8149310036

  19. Hi my 5 year old daughter have lichen planus and she is being treated for that all the bumps are currently going down but as it goes black spotscoming out as spots on her stomach and back also hands in bigger spots . I am currently using predcort , ifa iron and folic acid syrup , acid sol , and suprucion antibiotic cream … is the black spots coming out is a sign of the medication working or is it not working .

  20. I am suffering from litchen planus in my lower part of legs from last 6 years. I have taken a medicine from last 6 years but there is no improvement
    Plz help me

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