Lichen Planus is an uncommon skin disease that is non-infectious and affects the skin and mucous membranes. Around 2% of the world's population is affected by this condition. Generally, men and women aged between 30 and 70 are affected by this condition equally but oral lichen planus is more common in women. This condition is not harmful and goes away by itself. There is also no cure for this condition but steroid creams, ointments, medications, corticosteroids or ultraviolet light therapy, steroid pastes / mouth washes are available as a treatment to get relief from itching and to decrease the rash. People those who are not comfortable with the treatments can follow these home remedies to improve symptoms caused by lichen planus.
You can easily recognize this Lichen Planus due to its color. Any part of the body can be affected by lichen planus. The forearms, inside of the cheeks, the inner wrists, the ankles and tongue are the common areas. But it can also affect nails, genitals area and scalp. In this skin condition, patient experiences small, purplish or reddish-purple bumps on the skin. These bumps are flat from the top and have uneven shape. While you look them closely, you can see white scales or flakes. They can be grouped in lines, concentrated in an area, appeared in rings or widespread. Patient also experiences inflammation and itching. In mouth, the disease appears as streaks, spots or a lacy-network.
Lichen planus on the scalp and nails can lead to hair loss and brittle or split nails respectively. In severe cases, it can even cause nail loss. The particular cause of Lichen Planus is still unknown. However according to theories, it is triggered by certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers (NSAID), Hepatitis B vaccine, antihypertensive medicines, Stress, Hepatitis C infection, amalgamated dental filling, genetic, allergy-causing agents as well as some medications for high blood pressure, heart disease or arthritis.
Turmeric
Turmeric is not just a kitchen spice; in fact it is more than that. It is packed with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Since ages, it has been used to treat a number of skin disorders. Now, the scientists have also proved this fact with research. It is a common ingredient in beauty products. You can apply turmeric directly on affected area to accelerate the healing process. Adding ½ teaspoon turmeric powder in your food regularly helps you to get relief from the condition.
Basil
Like turmeric, basil has been also used for centuries for curing various medical conditions. The Queen of Herbs contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and medicinal properties. Basil is used as an ingredient in many foods such as salad dressings, pasta, etc. To treat lichen planus, apply the juice of the basil leaves directly on the affected area every night. You can also chew a few basil leaves to cure lichen planus in mouth or just add fresh/dry basil to your meals.
Ginger
Ginger works wonders for treating lichen planus. It is the number one remedy in the list of effective natural remedies. Gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger contains anti histamine properties that acts just like drugs and decreases the signs of allergy. It also prevents the regular recurrences of the allergy. You can drink ginger tea at least two times a day to cure this condition. You can also apply fresh ginger juice or rub a fresh slice of ginger (softly) on the affected area. Applying ginger also removes the scars.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for skin conditions. It is considered as the healing plant as it has powerful healing properties. You can find many products in the market that contain aloe vera but using fresh aloe vera gel is the best. The gel can be applied directly to the skin to get relief from the symptoms. Don’t apply aloe vera more than 3 times in a day.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal brings the inflammation and itchy discomfort associated with lichen planus under control. You can use oatmeal-based creams or take colloidal oatmeal bath to get relief. For colloidal oatmeal bath, fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add powered oatmeal in it. Then, allow yourself to soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes and get out of the tub. Dry your skin with the help of a towel.
Cold Compress
You can soothe itchy skin and cool the rash with the help of cold compress. Applying a cold compress is very simple, just soak a cloth in cold water and then apply it to the affected area. You can also do cold compress by putting an ice pack inside a plastic bag, wrapping in a soft towel and then holding it beside the itchy skin for 4 to 5 minutes. After cold compress, apply a lotion or moisturizing cream.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can provide relief from lichen planus symptoms (skin and mouth). You can apply tea tree oil and water mixture to the affected area. The mixture should be made by adding 5% tea tree oil and 95% water. Never use the oil alone as it can cause skin irritation, blistering and redness. You can mix the oil in a mouthwash for mouth lichen planus. Be sure, that you should not combine the oil with antibiotics.
To get rid of lichen planus scars, apply castor oil on the spots for at least 1 hour. Use this remedy for 1 month to get results.
Eggs
Make a mixture of egg whites with cocoa butter in one cup (Dixie sized cup) of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Then apply this mixture on the affected area for 30 minutes and then wash it.
Lifestyle changes:
You can easily recognize this Lichen Planus due to its color. Any part of the body can be affected by lichen planus. The forearms, inside of the cheeks, the inner wrists, the ankles and tongue are the common areas. But it can also affect nails, genitals area and scalp. In this skin condition, patient experiences small, purplish or reddish-purple bumps on the skin. These bumps are flat from the top and have uneven shape. While you look them closely, you can see white scales or flakes. They can be grouped in lines, concentrated in an area, appeared in rings or widespread. Patient also experiences inflammation and itching. In mouth, the disease appears as streaks, spots or a lacy-network.
Lichen planus on the scalp and nails can lead to hair loss and brittle or split nails respectively. In severe cases, it can even cause nail loss. The particular cause of Lichen Planus is still unknown. However according to theories, it is triggered by certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers (NSAID), Hepatitis B vaccine, antihypertensive medicines, Stress, Hepatitis C infection, amalgamated dental filling, genetic, allergy-causing agents as well as some medications for high blood pressure, heart disease or arthritis.
Home remedies for Lichen Planus
Turmeric
Turmeric is not just a kitchen spice; in fact it is more than that. It is packed with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Since ages, it has been used to treat a number of skin disorders. Now, the scientists have also proved this fact with research. It is a common ingredient in beauty products. You can apply turmeric directly on affected area to accelerate the healing process. Adding ½ teaspoon turmeric powder in your food regularly helps you to get relief from the condition.
Basil
Like turmeric, basil has been also used for centuries for curing various medical conditions. The Queen of Herbs contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and medicinal properties. Basil is used as an ingredient in many foods such as salad dressings, pasta, etc. To treat lichen planus, apply the juice of the basil leaves directly on the affected area every night. You can also chew a few basil leaves to cure lichen planus in mouth or just add fresh/dry basil to your meals.
Ginger
Ginger works wonders for treating lichen planus. It is the number one remedy in the list of effective natural remedies. Gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger contains anti histamine properties that acts just like drugs and decreases the signs of allergy. It also prevents the regular recurrences of the allergy. You can drink ginger tea at least two times a day to cure this condition. You can also apply fresh ginger juice or rub a fresh slice of ginger (softly) on the affected area. Applying ginger also removes the scars.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for skin conditions. It is considered as the healing plant as it has powerful healing properties. You can find many products in the market that contain aloe vera but using fresh aloe vera gel is the best. The gel can be applied directly to the skin to get relief from the symptoms. Don’t apply aloe vera more than 3 times in a day.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal brings the inflammation and itchy discomfort associated with lichen planus under control. You can use oatmeal-based creams or take colloidal oatmeal bath to get relief. For colloidal oatmeal bath, fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add powered oatmeal in it. Then, allow yourself to soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes and get out of the tub. Dry your skin with the help of a towel.
Cold Compress
You can soothe itchy skin and cool the rash with the help of cold compress. Applying a cold compress is very simple, just soak a cloth in cold water and then apply it to the affected area. You can also do cold compress by putting an ice pack inside a plastic bag, wrapping in a soft towel and then holding it beside the itchy skin for 4 to 5 minutes. After cold compress, apply a lotion or moisturizing cream.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can provide relief from lichen planus symptoms (skin and mouth). You can apply tea tree oil and water mixture to the affected area. The mixture should be made by adding 5% tea tree oil and 95% water. Never use the oil alone as it can cause skin irritation, blistering and redness. You can mix the oil in a mouthwash for mouth lichen planus. Be sure, that you should not combine the oil with antibiotics.
Home remedies to remove Lichen Planus Scar:
Castor oilTo get rid of lichen planus scars, apply castor oil on the spots for at least 1 hour. Use this remedy for 1 month to get results.
Eggs
Make a mixture of egg whites with cocoa butter in one cup (Dixie sized cup) of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Then apply this mixture on the affected area for 30 minutes and then wash it.
Lifestyle changes:
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Keep your mouth clean in order to prevent infection
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly
- Stay away from alcohol, crunchy foods, citrus juices, zesty foods, tobacco and tomato products
- Avoid spicy foods, caffeinated beverages and acidic foods
- Do some through relaxation activities, exercises or meditation to stay de-stressed
11 comments:
Thanks. I have a hair loss scar on my scalp. I will try Ginger. I have started to use Tea tree oil based moisturizer recently.
i have skin lichane planus,i am in huge tansion because of it,on my whole body there are only black spots n long rashesh.please please some1 help me tell me the way to cure it,i am suffring it from last 4 years. please help me
FOR HAIR BALDNESS APPLY ONION JUICE IT IS VERY EFFECTIVE.
there is no cure for it, I have suffered greatly for 17 years now
if any one succeed with these remedies please tell us
Applying aloe vera.. For scars of lichen planus really works... I've suffered from it.. Since last 4 years.. And applying aloe vera really worked for me..
I need some kind of help for this I went to a dermo but it gotten worst I dont know what to do so could some one please help me find a remedy for this I just been dealing with it for 6months praying for something to help me tired of the scars and the itching
You can try plain shea butter for lichen planus of the skin.
Hello Everyone,
Last year I was diagnosed with Lichen Planus and suffered with these purple/reddish spots all over my body. After running to the emergency several times and doing research myself I found the best thing in lichen planus are the following:
-change of diet - eat raw fruits and veggies - do not eat spicy food (I only used sea salt and black pepper in my cooking and little bit of olive oil);
- for the time being remove any type of peppers out of your diet (green, orange, red, yellow, chillis, red chilli powder, etc....just use a little bit of black pepper).
-reduce the amount of sugar and salt intake;
-cut tomatoes, lemon, lime, lemon juice - anything sour really;
-drink lots of water and the only juice I was put on was 100% apple juice - remove soda from your diet.
-apply aloe vera twice a day directly on the skin;
- Take Fish Oil Omega 3 vitamins;
- For scars - I am currently using Vitamin E Oil and it is working great
My scars have really lightened up and I am now able to introduce more foods into my diet. I am slowly also introducing tomatoes into the diet.
This has really worked for me, and I hope it works for all of you as well.
I have had lichen planus for months and just started going to a homeopathic doctor; he says he can cure the problem. We'll see...
(Have only been once; the remedy he sold me was antimonium crudum. He wants to see me again in a few weeks, to see if it worked. If it didn't, he'll try something else.)
I have had lichen planus for ten years. It's mostly under control but every so often, a new outbreak. My original sores are very faded and don't itch anymore (thank GOD!). I already had a very healthy diet. Still have no idea what caused it. But the single best thing, in my opinion, is SUN TANNING. If you have bad sores, it has to be very little exposure at first. But keeping a base tan is the best thing for the skin and also gives a Vit D boost which might be part of what's helping. Apply aloe (REAL aloe not the chemical crap from Walgreens or Target) afterward. Don't use any moisturizers with petroleum (vaseline, aquaphor, etc.) unless you are bleeding/scabbing. Use oat-based cream and aloe only. NO warm/hot showers. Cold, cold, cold showers help and have other health benefits. Sometimes I think I developed LP from taking hot showers so much when I was young.
Post a Comment