Lichen planus primarily reason an itchy skin rash. In
some individuals it additionally affects different elements of the body like
the mouth, genitals, nails and hair. In most cases the condition goes inside 6-18
months. Treatment, unremarkably with a steroid cream or ointment, typically
eases the itch and will scale back the rash till the condition clears.
What is lichen planus and who
effected with it?
Lichen planus may be a condition
that primarily affects the skin to cause associate itchy skin rash. In
some cases it affects the mouth, genitals, hair, nails, and rarely, different
elements of the body.
About one in fifty individuals
develop lichen. It happens equally in men and ladies. Over 2 thirds of cases
occur in individuals aged 30-60 years. However, it will occur at any age. It’s
not inherited disease. It’s not an infection and therefore the rash cannot be
caught or passed on to others.
Causes
of Lichen Planus?
The explanation for lichen isn't
illustrious. A sort of inflammation develops within the skin that causes the
rash. However, the explanation for the inflammation isn't illustrious. One
theory is that the system could also be triggered by an outbreak or different
think about the setting to attack cells within the skin that ends up in the
inflammation.
A rash terribly kind of like lichen
often develops from an illustrious cause, however this is often rare. For
example:
•A rash kind of like lichen happens
as a rare side-effect to some medicines. This is often referred to as a
lichenoid drug eruption. For example: antimalarials, beta blockers,
anti-inflammatory drug medicines, diuretic drug diuretics and gold injections.
The rash clears inside many weeks once stopping a medication that caused it.
•Lichen planus within the mouth is
typically as a result of an allergy to mercury fillings in teeth • A rash kind of like lichen often develops
once contact with sure chemicals employed in color photographic developing.
What will lichen seem like and what
square measure the symptoms?
Lichen
planus of the skin.
The typical rash is tiny, red-purple
bumps (papules). The bumps square measure sometimes shiny and flat-top (planus
suggests that flat). They vary in size from a pinhead to concerning one cm
across. The quantity of flat-top bumps that develop varies. The rash will seem
anyplace on the body however is presumably to occur on the inner wrists, lower
legs and lower back.
Fine white streaks typically develop
on the highest of every bump. This square measure referred to as Wickham's
striae.
The itch will vary from delicate to
severe. A severe itch is common and is commonly the worst issue concerning
lichen. The itch could disturb sleep and have an effect on your quality of
life. The itch is uncommon therein affected individuals tend to rub the rash
instead of scratch to ease the itch.
Sometimes the rash develops quickly
over many days. Generally every bump develops bit by bit over many weeks. Generally
many bumps type in an exceedingly line on a previous scar. Generally many bumps
clump along to create an outsized patch. New bumps could seem over time as
older ones square measure dwindling away. Every bump tends to last many months
before dwindling away.
In most cases, the rash lasts
between 3-18 months so clears. In some cases it persists longer. A non-itchy
brown or gray mark could also be left on the skin wherever every bump had been.
These could take many months or years to change state utterly.
Lichen
planus of the mouth
About 1/2 individuals with a lichen planus
rash develop white streaks on the within of the cheeks, gums or tongue. This is
often sometimes painless and not fidgety. It should not be detected unless
hunted for. Generally lichen planus of the mouth happens with none rash.
Lichen planus also can cause ulcers
in your mouth however this is often uncommon. If they occur they'll be terribly
sore and ugly. Hot or spicy foods square measure particularly troublesome to
eat.
Mouth ulcers will occur with or
while not the rash. In some cases, the gums become red and sore.
Lichen
planus on different elements of the body.
Most people with lichen planus
simply have the rash and/or mouth involvement. However, in some cases different
areas of the body are affected. These embody the following:
•Vulva and vagina of ladies – lichen
planus will cause painless white streaks on the female genital organ. However,
it also can cause painful red sore areas of the female genital organ and
entrance to the vagina. This could be sore, fidgety and in severe cases create
it terribly painful to own sex. Connective tissue might also develop which can narrow
the entrance to the vagina.
•Penis of men - the everyday rash
could have an effect on the structure of the erectile organ. Also, white
patches could develop on the structure (head of the penis).
•Nails - concerning one in ten
individuals with lichen have affected nails. It always causes minor ridging of
the nail. Rarely, severe injury to the nail will occur.
•The scalp - which may cause patches
of hair loss.
•Rarely - the musculature (gullet),
eyelids, ear canal, bladder and arsehole square measure affected.
How is
lichen diagnosed?
In most cases the rash is typical
and a doctor will diagnose the condition from the planning of the rash. If
there's doubt, then a little sample of affected skin may be taken (a biopsy)
below local. The diagnostic assay sample is checked out below a magnifier.
Characteristic changes within the skin may be seen that confirms the designation.
