Lichen Planus Treatment – What Is Lichen Planus And Its Symptoms

Lichen Planus Conditions And Treatment

Lichen planus is a relatively obscure skin disease affecting only about 2% of the population of the world. AS a result of its rarity, most people that have lichen planus are unsure about whom to approach form correct information on the affliction. Lichen planus is a recurrent rash that is characterized by small, flat topped bumps that grow together into rough and scaly patches on the skin. Lichen planus can occur on any location on the skin or nails and can have varying effects depending on their location. For example, lichen planus on the scalp can lead to a noticeable amount of hair loss while lichen planus on the nails can cause the nails to become brittle or split. The main causes of lichen planus are still relatively unknown. It is also believed that lichen planus may be induced by some drugs (such as those that contain arsenic) as well as bismuth and gold. Lichen planus does not seem to affect children. The bumps are most often noticed at the sites of previous minor injuries like a superficial scar. The first attack can last anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. Studies have shown that it is not a contagious condition and is not stress induced. However, stress can be an aggravator for the condition. The most inconvenience the condition will put you through is most likely to be a lot of itching. The bumps that erupt with the condition are likely to be scaly or flaky, but are not likely to be painful. When the bumps regress, they are likely to leave dark brown scars that will fade away in time, but it is a slow process.

Although easy to diagnose, it is more likely that your doctor will need to examine the kind of rash to confirm that it is lichen planus. No fool proof cure has been created or discovered in the fight against lichen planus and the main area of focus is prevention or containment of the condition. You could try soaking yourself in a tub of colloidal oatmeal, or create a cool compress and apply it over the affected areas for a reasonable period of time. You could also try to use some kind of hydrocortisone ointment or cream available at your local pharmacist and see if that works. Make sure that the hydrocortisone cream contains at least 1 percent of hydrocortisone. There are also a number of support groups that you could get in touch with for help with the condition.