The cause of lichen planus is usually not known, although possible causes include: Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria.
What is the difference between lupus and lichen planus?
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder with unknown etiology. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known as a prototypic autoimmune disease. Cytokines play a key role in the pathogenesis of both diseases.
Can lupus cause oral lichen planus?
Lupus has been associated with a wide spectrum of oral mucosal lesions: cheilitis, erythematous patches, `honeycomb’ plaques, discoid lesions, lichen planus (LP)-like lesions and discrete ulcers (Figure 3) (Table 3). In established disease, reported prevalence rates range from 9% to 45% of cases.
What syndrome is associated with lichen planus?
OLP has been associated with numerous systemic connotations such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid diseases, psychosomatic ailments, chronic liver disease, gastrointestinal diseases, and genetic susceptibility to cancer.
What autoimmune disease causes lichen planus Related Questions
Is lichen planus an autoimmune reaction?
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of autoimmune origin that usually manifests in the oral mucosa.
Should I worry about lichen planus?
When to see a doctor. See your health care provider if tiny bumps or a rash appears on your skin for no known reason, such as contact with poison ivy. Also see your health care provider if you have any symptoms related to lichen planus of the mouth, genitals, scalp or nails.
Why do I have lichen planus?
The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It’s thought to be related to the immune system, or an abnormal response of the immune system to certain medicines. Lichen planus isn’t infectious, doesn’t usually run in families and can’t be passed on to others.
Is lichen planus is a malignant condition?
Background. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosa disease that is recognized as an oral potentially malignant disorder.
What foods trigger lichen planus?
Spicy, acidic, and citrus foods and beverages can aggravate lichen planus. You may need to avoid eating foods made with chili peppers, curry, large amounts of ginger or garlic, or other spicy dishes. Tomato and tomato products may cause problems. Similar is the case with lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits.
What is the best treatment for lichen planus?
Corticosteroids. Often, the first choice for treatment of lichen planus of the skin is a prescription corticosteroid cream or ointment. This may help ease pain, swelling and inflammation.
What is the new treatment for lichen planus?
A first-in-human study found patients with lichen planus treated with the Janus kinase inhibitor baracitinib achieved almost total improvement. Image: Adobe Stock. Researchers conducted an open-label, single-arm trial in 12 patients with LP who were treated with baracitinib twice daily for 16 weeks.
What vitamins help lichen planus?
Go for Vitamins and Supplements: Vitamin B9 and Folate are important, particularly for Oral Lichen Planus. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3 are also found to play a crucial role in maintaining good skin health.
Who treats oral lichen planus?
You’ll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor or dentist. Some people with oral lichen planus also develop lichen planus on their skin. Depending on your symptoms, you may be referred to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist) or a specialist in gum and dental diseases (periodontist).
What is the fastest way to cure lichen planus?
There isn’t a cure for lichen planus. If you have lichen planus on your skin, in most cases, it goes away without treatment in as little as a few months to several years. The following treatments may help relieve your symptoms: Corticosteroid creams or ointments.
Is lichen planus pre cancerous?
In 1978, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that oral lichen planus (OLP) is a precancerous condition (5). In this regard, the association between OLP and oral cancer has been extensively studied.
What are complications with lichen planus?
Hyperpigmentation. Lichen planus is a self-limited skin condition and remission usually occurs within 18 months. Scarring alopecia. Erosive LP. Dyspareunia. Scarring of the female genital region. Esophageal stenosis. Psychological sequelae. Malignant transformation.
Can lichen planus permanent?
It is often painful and sometimes itchy. If it is not treated, lichen planus can cause permanent scarring and possibly cancer. For most women it is a lifelong condition.
When does lichen planus turn cancerous?
While lichen planus very rarely leads to oral cancer, irritation of lichen planus by tobacco and alcohol, poorly fitting dentures, and poor oral hygiene can turn lichen planus into the erosive type. It is probably the combination of these irritants over time along with erosive lichen planus that leads to oral cancer.
Can lichen planus be life threatening?
Although lichen planus is a disease of uncertain cause and is difficult to be cured by treatment, this skin disease itself is neither life threatening like cancer nor infectious. Therefore, lichen planus is very unlikely to affect your general health and cannot be passed on.
What herbal supplements for lichen planus?
Turmeric. A turmeric ointment may be beneficial in changing the appearance and discomfort in oral lichen planus, according to a study published in the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery. Vitamin A. Folate. Epsom Salt Baths. Tea Tree Oil. Coconut Oil. Oats. Sunshine.