Get Authentic Lichen Planus Treatment in Ayurveda

• Home / Diseases & Ayurveda / Hair-and-skin / Lichen-planus

What is Lichen Planus?

Lichen Planus is a skin disease that appears as itchy, swollen bumps on the skin. These bumps might be on the skin, mouth, nails, scalp, or the genitals. The bumps are purplish, sometimes shiny and have flat tops. People may also develop white patches or sores inside their mouth or on their gums.

The cause for Lichen Planus is unknown, but it is considered an immune system mediated inflammatory response. Basically, the immune cells attack the skin or mucous membranes mistakenly. Lichen Planus is quite uncomfortable but it is not contagious and does not be spread by contact.

Lichen Planus affects a small minority of people but is most common in adults aged 30 to 60 years. Women are also slightly more prone to develop it compared to men. The treatment for this condition usually involves managing the symptoms since there is currently no cure. The management of Lichen Planus generally involves topical ointments, oral medications and sometimes light therapy. For those seeking natural remedies, Ayurvedic treatments can provide effective alternative options to manage inflammation and skin health.

Common Causes of Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus is a skin condition that may appear and go away as unexpectedly as it came. Knowing what causes this condition may help control and prevent outbreaks.
The common causes and triggers of Lichen Planus are:
Immune System Response: The most accepted theory is that Lichen Planus is an immune system response in which immune cells attack skin or mucous membrane cells mistakenly.
Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have genetic predispositions to Lichen Planus development.
Viral Infections: It can be linked to Hepatitis C, a virus infection of the liver. People with this condition are at increased risk for Lichen Planus.
Medications: Certain drugs, including some used for heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis can induce Lichen Planus. They include: Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarial drugs, ACE inhibitors (drugs to treat high blood pressure), etc.
Chemicals: Exposure to some chemicals used to develop colour film or manufacture gold, antibiotics and arsenic may cause a Lichen Planus outbreak.
Stress: Emotional stress is not a direct cause of Lichen Planus but can worsen the symptoms and provoke flare-ups.
Allergic Reactions: Some Lichen Planus cases may be associated with allergic reactions to materials like dental amalgam fillings or some metals and chemicals.

Signs and Symptoms of Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus may affect different parts of the body with varying signs and symptoms. Recognising these signs early may help with management and timely treatment.
The main symptoms of Lichen Planus are listed below:

Symptoms

Purple-Colored Lesions

The distinctive signs are flat-topped, shiny bumps that are purplish in colour. They may occur on the inner wrists, legs, back, or genitals.

Itching

The lesions are usually very itchy when they first appear.

White Patches

Lichen Planus inside the mouth may cause painful white, lacy patches or sores. This may affect the gums, tongue, inner cheeks and lips.

Painful Sores

More serious cases might develop distressing blisters or ulcers, particularly near the mouth or on the genitals, which might make eating, drinking and even speaking difficult.

Scalp Involvement

On the scalp, Lichen Planus can cause hair loss and scarring (Lichen Planopilaris).

Nail Changes

Nails may become thin, split, lose colour, or form ridges and grooves from Lichen Planus. In more serious cases, complete nail loss may also occur.

Blistering

Some Lichen Planus patients develop blistering on their skin or mucous membranes that pop and become sore.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Purple-coloured lesions or bumps on your skin, particularly on wrists, legs, or back
• Itchy skin where the lesions appear
• White patches or painful sores inside your mouth, on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
• Hair loss or scarring on the scalp
• Nail abnormalities such as thinning, splitting, discoloration, or loss of nails
• Blisters on the skin or mucous membranes that may burst and become sore
• Painful ulcers or erosions on the genitals

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Lichen Planus

Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Lichen Planus using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Protocol

Personalised Ayurvedic Remedies: Custom made herbal mixtures to balance the body’s energies and stabilise your mood.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness Practices: These calming activities promote mental wellness and general well-being.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Procedures like Panchakarma and various massages that cleanse the body and help with emotional balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations on changing your eating habits and lifestyle for better health.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Lichen Planus

Ayurveda provides herbal medicines to control and treat Lichen Planus, balancing the energies and clearing toxins. They're based on herbs which have healing qualities and could be used to reduce inflammation, improve immunity and restore skin damage.

The following are some herbs frequently used during Ayurvedic treatment for Lichen Planus:
Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem is a detoxifier which cleanses the blood and also decreases inflammatory conditions. It is applied topically and orally to skin lesions caused by Lichen Planus.
Kutki (Picrorhiza Kurroa): This is a liver-cleansing herb that detoxifies the body and helps manage autoimmune conditions such as Lichen Planus.
Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia): Often called the 'amrita' or nectar of gods, Giloy boosts the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects against itchy and inflamed skin.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric consists of curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. It could be taken orally or even used like a paste over the affected areas to reduce redness and swelling.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera gel is a popular skin tonic which can be used topically to soothe irritation and heal cuts.
Triphala: Triphala is a classic Ayurvedic formula based on three fruits. It supports immunity and skin health and helps manage Lichen Planus.
Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia): Manjistha is used for healing the skin and as a blood purifier for Lichen Planus skin disorders.