LICHEN RUBER PLANUS

Lichen ruber planus is a chronic skin disease developed once the cells in the skin or mucus are destroyed by our immune system. It affects the skin, nails, mucous membranes, and hair, which results in inflammation.

Typically, lichen planus shows as an irritating, purple patch in the skin that grows over many weeks. It also affects areas covered by mucous membrane, namely the mouth and vagina, causing lacy white spots.

Furthermore, lichen planus affects around 1 in every 100 individuals. Male and females in their middle ages are more prone to get this kind of disease.

TYPES

Lichen planus have types with numerous similarities, including:

  • Cutaneous lichen planus (CLP), which frequently affects the flexor areas of the limbs
  • Mucosal or oral lichen planus, which damages the mucous membrane on the mouth
  • Lichen planopilaris, which damages the hair and the scalp
  • Nail lichen planus (NLP), which affects the fingernails and toenails
  • Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), which affects the skin, mostly in the face
  • Lichenoid drug eruption, which is a rare side effect of many medications affecting the skin

SYMPTOMS

Typical symptoms of Lichen planus vary, depending on the affected area. It includes:

  • Tiny white spots that appear in a lacy pattern along the mouth and tongue
  • Reddish lumps most often seen in the arms, wrists, ankles, and back
  • Fracturing or weakening of fingernails and toenails
  • Redness of scalp and hair loss
  • Reddish and itchiness in the vaginal area

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose lichen ruber planus, your doctor may perform through the following:

Hepatitis C test. This involves blood testing to detect the presence of hepatitis C as one of the potential causes of lichen planus.

Biopsy. Using a microscope, your doctor will examine if there is a cellular structure of lichen planus, and a damaged tissue will be removed.

Allergy tests. The dermatologist or allergist will examine if you are allergic to anything or there is an immunological condition.

TREATMENT

Some medications that are taken orally for this condition include:

  • Antihistamine
  • Azathioprine
  • Mycophenolate
  • Cyclosporine
  • Methotrexate
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Antibiotic metronidazole

Aside from these medications, phototherapy may also be a treatment for this condition. This is a light treatment that uses UVB radiation to cleanse the top part of the skin.

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