Lichen is a chronic disease known as “lichen planus” with its full name, and its most severe symptom is itching. Lichen; It can be roughly defined as an "overreaction disease" of the body that occurs due to some factors.
What are the causes of lichen disease?
Although the exact cause(s) is not known exactly, the disease It is thought to occur with viral infections, contact with allergens, stress and some genetic factors. Palladium, nickel, chromium, cobalt alloy dental restoration materials and dental filling materials can be counted among the allergens. In addition, some drugs; For example, the use of painkillers, blood pressure medications, or antibiotics can also trigger the disease.
Who gets lichen?
It is generally seen in adults aged 40-60 years. It can rarely be seen in childhood.
Which parts of the body does the disease affect?
Lichen disease most commonly affects the skin. In some individuals, only the inside of the mouth, tongue margins or genital area may be involved. Patients may present with sores in the inside of their mouths for a long time or with burning and whiteness in the tongue. Some female patients may describe pain, burning and tenderness in the vagina or external genitalia. Other mucous membranes such as the pharynx, esophagus and larynx are also included in the areas that can be involved. The disease can sometimes affect the hair, scalp and nails.
What are the symptoms of lichen on the skin?
The disease progresses with purplish-colored bumps especially on the wrists, ankles, feet and sides of the neck. Severe itching is the most prominent feature of the disease.
What are the other symptoms seen in lichen?
Apart from skin rash and itching, patients suffer from sores in the mouth, burning sensation in the tongue, difficulty in swallowing, pain when urinating, burning, and defines different symptoms such as feeling of pain during sexual intercourse. In some patients, hair loss and nail deformity can be observed.
Is lichen a contagious disease?
Lichen is not contagious. So from a patient It does not infect a person.
Which doctor should a lichen patient consult for treatment?
As explained above, the disease's hair, skin, mucous membranes inside the mouth, gums, soft-hard palate , esophagus, pharynx, larynx, male and female genital organs (vagina, penis) and anus can be involved.
Therefore, patients tend to go to the branch related to whatever the dominant complaint is for them. In other words, the patient with the complaint of "burning while urinating" will go to the family doctor or urology physician. Or, a patient with sores on the gums may first apply to a specialist physician. These physicians will then refer the patient to the specialist department.
How to treat lichen?
It is possible to treat only with creams and pomades called topical agents, depending on the severity of the disease and the place of involvement. Oral medications may also be required. In some patients, light and cabin treatments called “ultraviolet” therapy may be required. Some patients require a long time to be treated.
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