Lichen Planus: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment (1)

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Lichen Planus
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Lichen Planus

• Lichen planus is a chronic skin rash that mainly
  occurs around the mouth, wrist, ankles, and
  genitals. The inflammation of the skin and mucous
  membrane results in the formation of rashes. The
  rashes due to Lichen planus can extremely itchy
  which makes the skin rough. Lichen planus is very
  rare in children and older adults. It is most
  common in middle-aged people. Lichen planus is
  not contagious, but can become uncomfortable for
  the patient diagnosed with it. Only 1 of the
  population is expected to get affected by Lichen
  planus.

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Causes of Lichen planus

• The exact cause of Lichen planus is not known.
  However, it is possible that Lichen planus is an
  autoimmune disease that destroys the mucous
  membrane cells in the body. Sometimes, Lichen
  planus can occur as a reaction to certain
  medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs and
  beta-blockers. Exposure of skin to some chemicals
  can also cause Lichen planus. The risk of
  developing Lichen planus increases in people who
  have diabetes, hepatitis C or hypertension.
  Allergens such as gold, diuretics, and iodide can
  also cause Lichen planus.

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Symptoms

• The symptoms of lichen planus depends on the
  area where they appear. The symptoms of lichen
  planus can appear suddenly and may be
  long-lasting. The common symptoms of lichen
  planus may include Itching and irritation at
  the site of the affected area
• Purple colored blisters on the skin and around
  genitals
• Appearance of white streaks around cheeks, gums,
  tongue
• Dry mouth and blistering of the gums
• Loss of original skin color

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Diagnosis of Lichen planus

• There are no such diagnostic tests available for
  Lichen planus. You can consult a dermatologist if
  the rashes have not healed within a week. He may
  perform a punch biopsy test to extract deep
  layers of the affected skin. The sample taken is
  examined under the microscope to check for
  possible causes of Lichen planus. Sometimes
  a dermatologist may order a blood test to check
  for the presence of any underlying infection.

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Treatments

• There is no permanent cure available for the
  Lichen planus. However, medicinal treatment can
  help in relieving symptoms and preventing the
  further growth of infection. The treatment of
  Lichen planus may include Antihistamines and
  corticosteroids can help in reducing the
  inflammation and itching
• Applying non steroidal creams directly over the
  affected area
• Vitamin A supplements to strengthen the immune
  system
• Using ultraviolet light therapy to treat Lichen
  planus
• Applying cool packs on the rash to get relief
  from the burning sensation
• Avoid scratching the affected area
• Using antibacterial soap for cleaning the
  affected area
• These are all temporary treatment and it is
  possible that symptoms of Lichen planus will
  appear again if treatment is discontinued. 

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Complications of Lichen planus 

• If Lichen planus is left untreated, it may
  result in permanent brown and grey marks on the
  skin. Lichen planus developed around your
  genitals can cause discomfort and pain during
  sex. Frequent relapsing of Lichen planus may lead
  to the development of skin cancer.

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