Lichen Planus
Lichen planus can affect anyone. It can occur in a single or multiple body parts. The condition may occur inside the mouth or on the skin. In some cases, it may occur in both places as well. The condition can change the way your fingernails and toenails appear. It can also appear on a person’s scalp and genitals.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nugyen, provides safe and proven skin care procedures to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding communities.
Causes of Lichen Planus
The cause of lichen planus is currently unclear. It is known that the condition is autoimmune in nature, which means that your immune system will react as though the affected body parts and skin are foreign. The body begins attacking itself when this happens. More research is required in determining what causes lichen planus.
Diagnosis of Lichen Planus
Your dermatologist will look at your nails, skin, and mouth to determine whether you suffer from lichen planus. They may remove a tiny bit of your skin as well. This will be examined under a microscope. Your dermatologist may ask you to get certain blood tests for ruling out other diseases.
Lichen Planus Treatment
There is currently no cure for lichen planus, which usually disappears on its own. However, if you have bothersome symptoms, you can use medications to treat them and speed healing. These treatments include:
- Antihistamines for alleviating itching
- Topical corticosteroid in the form of ointment or cream for reducing redness and swelling
- Corticosteroid in the form of oral pills or shots are provided when a patient has had lichen planus for a long time with painful sores and bumps
- PUVA therapy involve light treatment for clearing the skin
- Retinoic acid is given as a pill or applied to the skin for clearing it
- Pimecrolimus cream or tacrolimus ointment is helpful in treating eczema and other skin problems
You should ask the dermatologist about all possible side effects which can result from the medications. Lichen planus in the mouth doesn’t result in pain or any other symptoms. Treatment in this case may not be necessary. Lichen planus resulting in redness, blisters, pain, ulcers, sores, or burning can be treated.
Any mouth disease can result in gum disease making it important to floss and brush as directed by the dentist. You should get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year and keep up with all your dental appointments.
Result
Most cases of lichen planus affecting the skin gets treated on their own in two years. Only 1 in 5 people would ever experience a second outbreak. However, in some people skin conditions may come and go. Lichen planus often leaves dark brown spots upon healing. These spots may fade without treatment like the bumps. Your dermatologist may lighten the spots with lasers, creams, and other treatment options if they do not go away.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for innovative and advanced skin care treatments.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
