Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptions for Lichen Planus
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Can Laso MD doctors treat lichen planus?
Absolutely. Doctors on Laso MD can provide various treatment options for lichen planus after a thorough discussion of your current condition and symptoms.
Additional testing may be requested by the doctor to confirm the condition before a lichen planus diagnosis is provided.
Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?
Certainly. Our physicians on Laso MD are authorized to prescribe medications through online consultations. Upon accepting a prescription, you can conveniently pick it up from any pharmacy or choose to have it delivered to your door at no extra cost.
What is lichen planus?
Lichen planus is a condition characterized by irritation and swelling in various areas of the body.
Lichen planus manifests in different types depending on the body area affected. Common locations include the skin, nails, and hair. In cases where the condition occurs in areas with mucus membranes, it is referred to as erosive lichen planus, which can be notably more painful and debilitating than other forms of lichen planus.
On the skin, lichen planus presents as a rash, often accompanied by itching or irritation. Oral lichen planus can be found on the tongue, mouth, or lips, or in areas with mucus membranes, such as the vulva. Characterized by lacy white patches, oral lichen planus may sometimes lead to painful blisters.
What causes lichen planus?
Our own immune systems actually cause lichen planus. Lichen planus is an autoimmune response that occurs when our immune systems start to attack skin cells or mucus membranes
. It’s not entirely clear what directly causes this autoimmune response, but some known triggers include: Hepatitis C infections Pain relievers, such as naproxen or ibuprofen Certain heart disease medications and medications for arthritis Flu vaccines Contact with certain chemicals, pigments, and metals
What are the symptoms of lichen planus?
Common symptoms of lichen planus comprise:
- Lacy white patches in the mouth, on the tongue, or lips
- Alterations in scalp color
- Loss of nails
- Nail damage
- Painful sores in the mouth or vagina
- Blisters that rupture, forming crusts or scabs
- Itchiness
- Flat, purple bumps, typically on the forearm, wrist, ankle, or genitals
What triggers lichen planus?
Lichen planus is initiated by our immune systems, specifically through an autoimmune response where skin cells or mucus membranes become the target.
The precise cause of this autoimmune response is not fully understood, but identified triggers include:
- Hepatitis C infections
- Pain relievers like naproxen or ibuprofen
- Certain medications for heart disease and arthritis
- Flu vaccines
- Exposure to specific chemicals, pigments, and metals
What distinguishes lichen planus from psoriasis?
While lichen planus and psoriasis exhibit some similar symptoms as skin conditions, they are fundamentally distinct.
Psoriasis is a lifelong autoimmune condition with a genetic basis and no cure. It manifests as bumpy red patches on the skin, featuring scaly white tops. The condition can affect any part of the body, leading to itching, burning, bleeding, or stiff joints, depending on its location.
Lichen planus, also an autoimmune condition, has unknown exact causes. Alongside a rash, lichen planus can result in painful lacy white blisters around the mouth area or on regions with mucus membranes. Notably, lichen planus typically has a duration of up to 2 years and may resolve on its own, even without treatment.
Can lichen planus be cured?
Lichen planus does not have a direct cure, but it may spontaneously resolve without treatment. Once it disappears, there is a possibility it may not return.
However, if erosive lichen planus is present, it may take longer to resolve and is more prone to recurrence.
Various treatments for lichen planus can help alleviate symptoms and expedite the healing process.
How is lichen planus treated?
Treatment for lichen planus varies based on its location, severity, and type. Commonly recommended medications and treatments include:
- Oral anti-infection drugs
- Immune response medications
- Antihistamines
- Light therapy
- Topical corticosteroids
- Retinoids
Beyond direct treatments and medications, if an allergy is suspected as a cause of lichen planus, monitoring your diet may prevent its onset or recurrence.
How long does lichen planus persist without treatment?
Lichen planus may endure for several months to approximately two years before resolving on its own.
Opting for lichen planus treatments and medications can expedite the healing process, minimizing negative symptoms associated with the condition.
What is Laso MD?
At Laso MD, you can swiftly engage with a doctor about your symptoms. We serve as a healthcare platform, offering rapid and convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.
Simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll connect you to a doctor through live chat or video. Explore our How it Works page for more details.
Our doctors can evaluate symptoms and provide necessary treatment, including prescriptions as needed
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