Lichen Planus

WHAT IS LICHEN PLANUS?
Lichen planus is a skin disease that can attach to various parts of the body. The lesions it creates on the skin usually cause an itchy rash. There is no fixed point in the development of skin lesions. Therefore, it may increase or decrease over time. The average recovery time of the disease is two years. Recurrent attacks may occur in some patients. Lichen planus can leave dark patches on the skin after it heals. However, these spots usually disappear on their own over time. For those who do not get lost, dermatology specialists can perform procedures such as peeling and laser.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LICHEN PLANUS?
The most common symptom of lichen planus is purple, itchy, small raised tissues that can reach up to 1 cm in size. Although very rare, it can gather in a fixed area. It is usually distributed to different parts of the body. Wrists, ankles, elbows and calf area are among the areas that most frequently show symptoms. New lesions are expected to form in areas where the skin itches or rubs against clothing. Therefore, patients should choose comfortable clothes and protect their skin from disturbing factors. The most common symptoms include thin white lines on the lesions, intense itching, especially at night, and white patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks. In addition, painful red spots in the genital area, clusters of bright and raised, rash and purple-red spots on the skin; Burning and stinging in the mouth while eating, thinning and peeling of the nails, severe itching on the scalp and hair loss in the areas where the lesion occurs are also observed.

HOW IS LICHEN PLANUS DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosing lichen planus requires a detailed physical examination. Diagnosis is then made with a small sample taken from the skin. The most common lesions are purple-colored flat-topped bumps. The disease is usually seen in individuals between the ages of 40-65.

HOW IS LICHEN PLANUS TREATED?
Steroid creams are usually used. Steroid creams should be used for as long as your doctor recommends, as they may cause side effects such as thinning of the skin, increase in skin infections, lightening of skin color, and redness when used on the same area for too long. Too much may cause unexpected damage to the skin. In widespread disease, phototherapy and systemic medications are used. Cordicosteroids, anhistaminic drugs and phototherapy methods are the most commonly used methods in the treatment of this disease.
Corticosteroids: The first option for treating lichen planus is the use of corticosteroid cream or ointment. If creams do not work on the lesions, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid pills or injections.
Antihistamine Drugs: In some cases, lichen planus may cause severe itching. Scratching the skin causes new lesions to appear. Antihistamine drugs relieve itching and prevent the formation of new lesions.
Phototherapy: Phototherapy method, also known as Psoralen Ultra - Violet A (PUVA), is very effective in clearing lichen planus lesions. This method uses ultraviolet light, which penetrates only the upper layer of the skin.