What Is Lichen Planus And How Is It Treated?

Lichen planus; It is a condition that affects the skin, scalp, nails and mucous membranes and causes edema and irritation in these areas. Cases of lichen planus on the skin usually manifest themselves as purplish colored, itchy and flat blisters that develop within weeks. When it occurs in the mouth, vagina and other mucous membrane-containing structures, it may occur as white patches with a lace appearance or painful sores. The reason for the emergence of lichen planus has not been clearly clarified for now. Viral infection, contact with allergenic substances, stress or genetic factors are among the conditions that are thought to play a role in the emergence of this disease. Some scientists think that lichen planus may be an autoimmune condition. In general, although most cases of lichen planus do not have a serious course, it is important to be aware of this ailment as painful sores may occur in some rare cases.

What is Lichen Planus?

"What is lichen planus" and “What does lichen disease mean?” The answer to the questions "lichen skin disease is a dermatological disorder that occurs as an overreaction reaction of unknown cause" can be answered. Skin lesions that occur during this lichen disease, which progresses with the development of an inflammatory response in the skin and mucous membranes, are most often detected in the waist, hand and ankle regions.

What are the Symptoms of Lichen Planus?

Symptoms of lichen planus may vary according to the affected area. While the first attack of the disease usually lasts for weeks or months, it may regress spontaneously within 1-2 years. Despite the tendency to regress, the disease can often recur frequently and care should be taken as it may cause discoloration in the area where it occurs. Oral (oral) lichen planus cases are generally accepted as a chronic (long-term) disease and regression may not occur during its course.
Symptoms of Lichen Planus on the Skin Many signs and symptoms may occur in cases of lichen planus that develop on the skin:

• Skin rash that appears suddenly and can persist for months
• Glossy skin in clusters
• raised, reddish or purplish color from the surface Formation of blisters with a flat surface
• The resulting papule lesions have a diameter of 3-5 millimeters
• The development of white streaks expressed as Wickham lines on the papules
• It is especially evident at night intense itching sensation

In addition to the wrists and ankles, the elbow and waist region are among the most frequently affected areas. However, it should be kept in mind that lichen planus may occur in various other parts of the body:
Oral Lichen Planus Symptoms If lichen planus develops in the mouth, the symptoms of lichen disease that may occur can be summarized as follows:

• White streaking on the tongue or lips, especially in the inner area of ​​the cheeks.
• The streaks do not go away even though they are not painful or itchy
• Changes such as redness and blistering of the gums
• Development of painful mouth sores that tend to recur
• Metallic taste in the mouth or atrophy in the sense of taste
• Dry mouth
• Worsening of complaints after consumption of spicy, crunchy foods or products containing tomatoes

Penis Symptoms of Developing Lichen Planus There are various symptoms that may occur after the development of lichen planus in the penis area in male individuals. The development of a purple or white ring-shaped patch in the area of ​​the glans penis and the non-itchy lesions are generally similar to fungal infections in this area. Therefore, it is very important not to confuse these two conditions.
Lichen Planus Symptoms Developing in the Vagina and Vulva Lichen planus may occur in the genital area in women as well as in men. Lichen planus, which appears as white streaks on the vulva, similar to those in the mouth, does not usually follow an itchy or painful course. Red discoloration of the skin around the lesion may occur. Labium minus refers to the small lip structures located on the inside of the vagina region. If these structures are affected, it can be determined that they shrink and adhere to other tissues around them.
The vagina is usually red in color. With the development of scar tissue, an external appearance disorder may occur in the vagina. Lichen planus in this region also affects the inner parts of the vagina. may lead to the development of desquamative (rash) vaginitis.
Follicular Lichen PlanusThe structures that allow the hair to grow in the hair follicles are called hair follicles. After lichen planus that develops in these structures, complaints such as irritation and redness on the scalp may occur. Since this type of lichen planus can also cause permanent hair loss, it is recommended to be careful.

What Causes Lichen Planus?

The main mechanism in the emergence of lichen planus may be the struggle of defense cells against the skin and mucous membranes. Although the development of this condition can occur in any individual or at any age, there may be a predisposition to the development of lichen planus in the presence of certain factors.
Lichen planus cases that occur on normal skin in the body affect men and women equally, while lichen planus that develops in the mouth is detected 2 times more frequently in women than in men. The age group in which the disorder develops most frequently is middle-aged adults. Having other members of the family affected by this disease or catching some viral diseases such as hepatitis C are other risk factors that are among the causes of lichen planus. should be:

• Antibiotics
• Arsenic
• Gold
• Iodized compounds
• Diuretics
• Various types of dyes
• Medicines used in some cardiovascular diseases
• Antihypertensive drugs
• Some antipsychotic drugs

How is the Diagnosis of Lichen Planus?

The diagnosis of lichen planus is a diagnosis that can be made based on current complaints, medical history and physical examination findings. When necessary, various tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis:

• Biopsy: By removing a small area from the affected skin area and evaluating it under a microscope by physicians, the cells in the sample belonging to lichen planus can be detected. It can be examined whether it has characteristic features.
• Hepatitis C test: Since it is a trigger for lichen planus, it can be investigated whether the underlying condition is this viral disease with blood tests.
• Allergy tests: By dermatologists It can be investigated whether these substances are the triggers of lichen planus with various allergy tests. /p>

  How is the Treatment of Lichen Planus?

  In mild and moderate cases of lichen planus, there may be no need for any treatment, since the discomfort may regress spontaneously. In cases where the complaints are disturbing or have a severe course, “How do lichen planus spots go?” Physicians seeking the answer to the question try to control the situation by prescribing various drugs. >Retinoid (vitamin A derivative) drugs

• Antihistamine drugs
• Nonsteroid creams for redness and rashes
• Light therapy using ultraviolet light
• Other immunosuppressant treatments (For resistant cases)

Lichen planus is a disease that is not generally considered dangerous, although it is an unsettling condition. If you observe the symptoms of this ailment in yourself or in your environment, or if you say "I have lichen planus, what should I do?" If you think that, you can get support from specialist physicians by applying to health institutions.

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