Lichen Planus is a mucous disorder also characterized as a skin disorder sometimes which affects the mucous membranes. It is caused due to an autoimmune disorder but what triggers this disease is not known yet.

1. http://www.naturalherbsclinic.com/Lichen-Planus.php
LICHEN PLANUS
Lichen planus, a chronic dermatological disorder characterized by presence of recurrent rash on
the mucous membrane or skin that is similar to lichens in appearance. The inflammation is
initiated on account of an unknown cause. These rashes are polygonal, small flat-surfaced
papules that grow as rough, thickened scaly plaques with interspersed lacy white lines on the
skin surface or mucous membrane. It mostly appears on arm and legs as pinkish or purple noninfectious lesions which are itchy but can be present on other parts of the body as well like scalp,
nails, mouth or genitalia. Once the rash disappears, usually in about months or years, it leaves
behind a hyper-pigmented area that regresses slowly.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LICHEN PLANUS:
Cutaneous variety of lichen planus affects women more than men however some studies show it
can affect both sexes equally, constituting epidemiology of lichen planus.
CAUSES OF LICHEN PLANUS:
Autoimmunity or some unknown environmental triggering agent has been attributed to have
caused lichen planus but the exact cause is not yet determined. Development of these lesions
occurs as a result of associated underlying inflammation. Medications such as anti-malarial
agents, beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics along with dyes, chemicals, pigments, gold, iodides,
mercury etc are considered as the most important causes of lichen planus. Some people with
hepatitis B and C and other chronic liver diseases have increased chances of developing lichen
planus. Flu vaccinations of certain types are also associated with the cause of lichen planus.

2. LICHEN PLANUS SYMPTOMS:
Lichen planus oral presents with bluish white painful tender pimples or bumps with a netted
appearance which are seen to form a lace-like network on the outer surfaces of gums, lips,
tongue and insides of the cheeks. They eventually turn into papules, bullous, ulcers, patches or
areas of atrophy inside the mouth. Dryness and metallic taste in the mouth are common
complaints of the patients. Cutaneous type affects the scalp, hair, nails and extremities. These flat
topped papules of about 3mm to 5mm in diameter with whitish streaks called wickham’s striae
are shinny in appearance. Onset is abrupt and last for long time. Extreme itching at night and
scalp hair loss are important lichen planus symptoms. Nails will show irregular longitudinal
grooving, thinning, shedding and atrophic changes in its bed. Mucosal variety of lichen planus
is associated with inflammation of genitals and esophagus.
LICHEN PLANUS TREATMENT:
No specific cure is present but it is a reasonably controllable condition. Lichen planus
treatment is aimed at reassuring the patient of condition being of benign origin and symptomatic

3. care of the lesions. In 6-9 months the disease usually resolves spontaneously for cutaneous cases
and a little while longer for mucosal variety. Corticosteroids are prescribed to the patient to
control inflammation and care of oral hygiene is stressed upon. Vitamin A ointments, creams,
anti-histamines, skin dressings and in some cases UV light therapy is included as a part of
treatment regimen but all are associated with side effects and post therapy pain. Lichen planus
herbal product promptly cures the condition leaving behind soft, smooth skin, improving the
cosmetic appearance along with the permanent relief from the symptoms of this inflammatory
condition. No side effect is associated with the use of this product.