Lichen planus (LP)Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition, characterized by an itchy, non-infectious rash of small, polygonal (many sided) flat-topped pink or purple lesions (bumps) on the arms and legs OR is a disease of the skin and/or mucous membranes that resembles lichen. There is no cure( in allopathic system of medicine), but many different medications and procedures have been used to control the symptoms.Homeopathy has promising results in Lichen Plannus. Classification Lichen planus has been described as an autoimmune disease,a dermatosis, a papulosquamous disorder, a mucocutaneous disease,and an inflammatory disease. Lichen planus lesions are so called because of their "lichen-like" appearance and can be classified by the site they involve, or by their morphology. Site Lichen planus may be categorized as affecting mucosal or cutaneous surfaces. • Cutaneous forms are those affecting the skin, scalp, and nails. • Mucosal forms are those affecting the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, anus), larynx, and other mucosal surfaces including the genitals, peritoneum, ears, nose, bladder and conjunctiva of the eyes • Signs and symptoms Although lichen planus can present with a variety of lesions, the most common presentation is as a well-defined area of purple-coloured, itchy, flat-topped papules with interspersed lacy white lines (Wickham's striae). This description is known as the characteristic "6 Ps" of lichen planus: planar (flat-topped), purple, polygonal, pruritic, papules, and plaques. Cutaneous lichen planus Lichen planus involving the nails. Variants of cutaneous lichen planus are distinguished based upon the appearance of the lesions and/or their distribution.Lesions can affect the: • Extremities (face, dorsal hands, arms, and nape of neck). This is more common in Middle Eastern countries in spring and summer, where sunlight appears to have a precipitating effect. • Palms and soles • Intertriginous areas of the skin. This is also known as "Inverse lichen planus". • Nails characterized by irregular longitudinal grooving and ridging of the nail plate, thinning of the nail plate, pterygium formation, shedding of the nail plate with atrophy of the nail bed, subungual keratosis, longitudinal erthronychia (red streaks), and subungual hyperpigmentation. A sand-papered appearance is present in around 10% of individuals with nail lichen planus.[21] • Scalp. This is also known as lichen planopilaris, acuminatus, follicular lichen planus, and peripilaris, characterised by violaceous, scaly, pruritic papules. Scalp lichen planus can cause scarring alopecia if it is untreated. • Hair. This variant causes inflammation of hair follicles and gradual replacement with scarring. About 10% of people with lichen planus have the scalp or nail variants of the condition.[9] Mucosal lichen planus Lichen planus on the lips and the lateral border of the tongue Lichen planus affecting mucosal surfaces may have one lesion or be multifocal Esophageal lichen planus, affecting the esophageal mucosa Genital lichen planus, which may cause lesions on the glans penis or skin of the scrotom in males, and the vulva or vagina in females.Symptoms may include lower urinary tract symptoms associated with stenosis of the urethra, painful sexual intercourse, and itching. Causes The cause of lichen planus is unknown, but it is not contagious and does not involve any known pathogen. It is thought to be a T cell mediated autoimmune reaction (where the body's immune system targets its own tissues). Diagnosis Lichen planus lesions are diagnosed clinically by their "lichen-like" appearance.A biopsy can be used to rule out conditions that may resemble lichen planus, and can pick up any secondary malignancies Please log on to our website www.raviclinic.com for treatment purpose. Call us at +91-9935898134 or 0522-4042243 bet 10-1 and 6-9 Pm IST

• published: 21 Oct 2014
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