Lichen Planus Ayurvedic Treatment

Introduction

The chronic immune-mediated and inflammatory disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, hair, nails, etc. is known as Lichen planus. Erasmus Wilson was the first to describe lichen planus in 1869. It is a high psychosocial burden disease of elderly and middle-aged persons ranging from 30 to 70 years predominantly. Lichen planus is the T- cell-mediated autoimmune disease, with benign, pruritic, papulo-squamous, inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology.

In Ayurvedic classics based on symptoms, Lichen planus is correlated with the minor skin disorder Kitibha. Kitibha occurs mainly due to the Vata-Kapha dosha, blood vitiation, tissue depletion, etc. Here, you will find the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and Ayurvedic treatment for Lichen planus like Panchakarma Procedures (internal purification of the body), Yoga procedures, Single Herbs, Diet and Lifestyle modification, etc. The treatment helps in balancing the vitiated Vata, Kapha, which will certainly help to treat Lichen planus deep from the roots.

What is the Lichen Planus?

The term Lichen planus describes the surface of the cutaneous lesion as derived from the Greek word Leichen which means tree moss and planus which means flat. The diseases affecting the stratified squamous epithelia are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases known as lichen planus. It can affect mucous membranes, skin, genitalia, nails, and hairs, and along with this purplish, flat-topped, and itchy papule are seen in LP diseases which often appear on the ankle, oral mucosa, wrist, etc. Lichen planus is an auto-immune disorder therefore mainly occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks mucosal cells and skin.

Lichen Planus – As Per Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, Lichen planus is correlated with minor skin disorder (Kshudra Kustha) Kitibha which mainly involves Vata and Kapha Dosha, blood vitiation (Rakta Dushti), and tissue deletion (Dhatu Kshaya).

Who Gets Affected by Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder that affects people of all ages but as per the survey, it mainly affects the people of middle age that is between 30- 70 years. There are various types of Lichen planus and women tend to be more affected as compared to men, especially in oral lichen planus. Along with this people with high stress, immune system dysfunction, or genetic predisposition are more affected by Lichen Planus.

How Common is Lichen Planus?

As per a recent survey, worldwide the prevalence of cutaneous lichen planus is approximately 0.2% to 1% among adults while oral lichen planus is more common and reported in 1% to 4% of the population. As compared to men, women are more frequently affected at a ratio of 1.5:1, and most cases develop between the ages of 30 and 60. The condition of Lichen planus is rare in children, representing less than 5% of all affected patients. The highest prevalence of oral Lichen planus was reported in Europe (1.43 %) and the lowest in India (0.49 %).

Types of Lichen Planus

There are various types of lichen planus, and the prevalence of lichen planus varies depending on the type of lichen planus. The types of lichen planus are as follows:

1. Cutaneous Lichen Planus: The Lichen planus is itchy, and has purple papules on the skin.
2. Oral Lichen Planus: The lichen planus that affects the inner cheeks, tongue, and gums.
3. Nail Lichen Planus: The lichen planus causes splitting, loss of nails, or thinning of nails.
4. Hypertrophic Lichen Planus: The lichen planus is often seen on the legs which are thickened and have warty lesions.
5. Bullous Lichen Planus: The lichen planus in which fluid-filled blisters develop on the lesions.
6. Lichen Planopilaris (Scalp lichen planus): The lichen planus that results in scalp scarring and hair loss.
7. Actinic Lichen Planus: The lichen planus in which areas like the face and hands are affected are exposed to the sun.
8. Erosive Lichen Planus: The lichen planus that usually develops in the mouth and genitals and in which painful ulcerative lesions develop.