🏭 🛬 🕺🏿 Lichen planus: treatment, causes, symptoms, diagnosis 👨‍👦 👊🏻 👨🏾‍🤝‍👨🏼

Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease of the skin. It is manifested by rashes on the mucous membranes and dermis. Another name for the disease is Wilson's disease. He was named after the name of the English scientist E. Wilson, who described the disease, determined its differences from other dermatoses, and identified the main forms. The disease has existed for more than a hundred years, but the exact causes leading to its occurrence have not yet been established. In this article, we will try to find out why the disease occurs, what are the signs of lichen planus and how to treat it.

Common symptoms of Wilson's disease

Manifestations of the pathology are diverse, but all the rashes consist of the same small flat papules (acne, like balls or dense nodules), the diameter of which can be up to five millimeters. The main characteristic manifestations:

The color of the rash is red crimson or red with a purple tint. Papules have a shiny surface with an inverted center.
Peeling of the skin is slightly expressed, the scales are difficult to separate.
Rashes are formed in groups, can be combined into circles, stripes and garlands, merging, form plaques. After healing, a red pigmented spot remains on the affected area.
Rashes cause severe itching, causing trouble sleeping. Sometimes, the appearance of symptoms of lichen planus on the fingers is perceived by the patient as scabies.
In most cases, the rash appears on the elbow and knee bends, in the inguinal region, on the inner surface of the thigh, and in the mucous membrane of the mouth.
The soles of the legs, palms, face and head are less susceptible to disease, but sometimes dark-red seals appear on them, causing severe itching.
Lichen in women, located in the genital area, interferes with urination and intimacy, causing pain. In addition, there is constant irritation.
When red lichen appears in the oral cavity, at the entrance to the vagina, the dermis remains clean on the glans penis. The resulting nodules have a gray color, grouping, form circles, mesh or rings. Flat plaques with uneven edges usually appear on the tongue, and the lips are affected by purple papules with a slight peeling.
Large papules are covered with a special pattern, which is called the Wickham net.
With an exacerbation of the disease, the formation of new vesicles occurs on damaged areas of the skin after injuries. This symptom is called Kebner syndrome.

Forms of the development of pathology

A feature of Wilson's disease is its various manifestation and localization. Based on this, the clinical forms of lichen planus are distinguished, having some differences in the development of the disease:

Warty. The ailment begins with the appearance of a rash, which subsequently passes into growths similar to warts. Their structure is more dense than that of standard bubbles. Rashes are accompanied by severe itching, which is poorly removed. This disease affects mainly only the lower legs.
Atrophic. At the beginning of the disease, standard papules appear. After the rash disappears, areas of keratinized skin remain in the damaged areas. The elbow and knee joints and the scalp are affected, where point areas of baldness are formed.
Pigmented. Brown spots appear on the dermis along with a rash. The limbs, face and body are often affected.

Bubble On the skin of a person, lichen planus is manifested by characteristic vesicles - vesicles that contain a serous substance, in some cases with an admixture of blood. Bubbles are formed independently or on top of papules and plaques. The disease affects the feet and lower legs.
Moniliform. These are rounded waxy rashes, which are grouped in the form of a necklace. The rash affects the forehead, auricles, the back of the hands, stomach and elbow folds. The skin of the cheeks, nose, soles and interscapular region is never affected.
Spiky. Papules mainly appear on the head. The rash covers the hair follicles with the formation of a growth in the form of a spike. After healing, scars form in the damaged area.
Erosive and ulcerative. It is manifested by ulcers and erosion, which are surrounded by edematous red areas of the mucosa. This form of lichen planus arises in the oral cavity. The affected mucosa is covered with fibrinous plaque, upon removal of which bleeding appears. Erosions can form in numerous groups with pain. Healing is slow and difficult, and then relapses occur again.
Ring-shaped. This type of disease develops very quickly. A characteristic feature is the tightening of the center of the plaque, giving it a ring shape. Male genital organs are affected. Sometimes the ring-shaped red lichen is mistaken for signs of syphilis.

Factors provoking the disease

The establishment of the causes of lichen planus continues to be engaged in by scientists to the present. It was found that the disease develops with a combination of several unfavorable factors, the following are considered the most likely:

Neurogenic. The occurrence of pathology or relapse in the patient coincides with the psychological trauma that he suffered the day before. In addition to a skin ailment, he also has mental disorders.
Viral. Penetrating into the upper layer of the dermis, microorganisms are in a balanced state until a certain point until a weakening of the immune system occurs. When activated, they cause an acute stage of the disease.
Genetic. The existing theory claims that the hereditary factor of transmission of the disease from generation to generation cannot be denied.
Intoxication. Some medicines may provoke lichen planus in humans: quinine, arsenic, iodine, gold, antimony, and also antibacterial and anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Autointoxication. It is associated with the accumulation of a large number of toxins in the body. This can occur with diabetes, cirrhosis, gastritis, gastric ulcer.
Immunoallergic. This factor is considered the main one. Failure of the immune system leads to all kinds of diseases, including lichen planus.
Mechanical. A new focus of inflammation easily occurs with mechanical damage to the dermis or mucous membranes: rubbing with clothes, jewelry, dentures, biting cheeks.

Diagnosis of Wilson's disease

Diagnosis of lichen planus is based on:

conversations with the patient;
visual inspection. In most cases, the doctor can easily diagnose the patient’s clinical presentation and complaints.

In doubtful cases, it is prescribed:

general analysis of blood and urine - with red lichen abnormalities in the urine and blood should not be with the exception of ESR and an increase in white blood cells;
blood biochemistry;
consultation of a gynecologist, therapist, dentist;
biopsy analysis - the dermis is taken from the affected area and histological examination is performed.

After the studies and the exclusion of syphilis, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, the final diagnosis is made, on the basis of which red lichen planus will be treated.

Wilson's Disease Treatment

A patient in satisfactory condition does not require hospitalization, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. The course of therapy is prescribed taking into account the form of lichen, but it necessarily includes:

Sedatives, antidepressants, tranquilizers. With their help, normalize the activity of the nervous system.
Vitamin complexes - the body needs vitamins of group B, PP, C, E, A, calcium and nicotinic acid. Vitamin therapy is carried out for sixty days.
Corticosteroid drugs - they, as a rule, play a key role in the treatment of lichen planus. To avoid side effects, the doctor should choose the treatment regimen and dosage. Hormonal drugs are prescribed in conjunction with medications containing potassium, calcium and multivitamins. In addition, a slightly salted diet is indicated.
"Histaglobulin" - is used in injections instead of corticosteroids, taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular individual.
Hormonal ointments - used for external use: Sinaflan, Fluorocort, Flucinar. They relieve irritation and itching, are used for rashes that occupy limited areas of the skin.

The intake of hormonal drugs must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Side effects are possible, therefore treatment courses are made short and monitor changes in blood pressure and blood components. Red lichen planus in the oral cavity of an erosive-ulcerative form is treated by chipping with a suspension of hydrocortisone.

To eliminate the symptoms of relapsing chronic lichen, drugs are used that increase oxygen supply to the tissues.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

The effect of physical factors on the manifestations of red lichen increases the effectiveness of drug treatment.

PUVA therapy is a combined effect on the dermis of medicinal substances of plant origin: psoralen (P) and ultraviolet rays (UVA).
Iductothermy - based on the use of a high frequency magnetic field. The procedure is carried out on the lumbar region. As a result, the adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids.
Reflexotherapy - in the treatment of lichen planus eliminates symptoms such as burning and itching.
Diadynamic therapy - pulse therapy, with the help of currents of different frequencies reduces swelling, redness and itching.

Magnetotherapy - exposure to a running magnetic field helps to normalize the nervous system and reduce itching.
Electrosleep therapy - reduces excitability, has an analgesic effect.
Electrophoresis - is carried out on the affected area with the use of the drug "Hydrocortisone."
Phonophoresis - has a medical and ultrasonic effect.
Applications of ozokerite - help to relax, have anti-inflammatory effect.

Treatment of lichen planus with folk remedies

For the healing of many diseases, resort to the use of folk remedies, recipes from which are time-tested. The following folk remedies are suitable for medical and physiotherapeutic treatment:

Hops, fir cones, calendula. This raw material is used for the preparation of ointments. To do this, make a strong broth and mix it with petroleum jelly. The resulting drug is lubricated with papules once a day.
Sea buckthorn oil. On the affected surface, it is applied in the form of applications. The oil is widely used in the treatment of mucous membranes. It is possible to use inside, on an empty stomach on a teaspoon daily.
Calendula. To prepare the infusion, take a tablespoon of raw materials and pour a glass of boiling water. Use for lotions.
A succession and a camomile. Each herb is taken in equal amounts of 100 g, poured into a bucket of water, brought to a boil and after three minutes removed from the fire. For half an hour they insist, filter and add to the bath for bathing.

Before you start using folk remedies, you should consult a doctor.

Diet for the disease

In the treatment of lichen planus, a set of measures is necessarily carried out, in which the diet takes not the last place. Nutrition should be normalized and regular.

Can I get Wilson’s disease?

Is lichen planus infectious or not? There is no single answer. Some argue that this disease is not infectious, and therefore can not be transmitted from the patient to a healthy person. Others say that with prolonged and intimate communication there is little chance of becoming infected. This occurs when there is a genetic predisposition and weakened immunity. Conclusion - everyone decides for himself how to behave with a sick individual with this disease.

Commonly used ointments for the treatment of pathology

In the treatment for external use, ointments from lichen planus are often used. They are used as stand-alone tools and combined with solutions and various mixtures that contain citric acid, menthol, anestezin. With severe itching, drugs with antihistamines are prescribed. To exfoliate the skin, salicylic ointment is prescribed. It helps to reduce inflammation and strengthen the walls of small vessels. Papules soften, swelling decreases, and healthy cells form in place of the keratinized surface.

The ointment is applied to the damaged area and a bandage is applied, after a day it is changed. The course of treatment lasts up to twenty days. For papules that are in a combed state, use the Solcoseryl ointment. It supplies tissues with glucose and oxygen, protects against the appearance of erosion and ulcers. Apply up to two weeks. Ointment or Fenistil gel has analgesic and antipruritic effect. It has a strengthening effect on the capillaries, relieves pain. The agent is applied up to four times a day. The effect appears after 20 minutes. Each of the ointments fulfills its role and provides relief by healing the damaged surface of the dermis.

The most effective treatment for lichen planus mucous membranes

This disease is chronic and often relapsing, therefore it is a complex and urgent problem for dentists. Scientists and dental practitioners consider the use of complex treatment the most appropriate. It simultaneously affects the symptoms of the disease, physiological processes in the body and includes the following measures:

Complete sanitation of the oral cavity and tips for its care, a complete diet, the exclusion of irritating food, alcohol.
For local drug treatment, drugs are prescribed depending on the form of the disease. For therapy use: antimicrobial, painkillers, antiviral, antimicrobial agents. In a severe clinic, corticosteroid suspensions are used to chunk damaged areas.
For general treatment, vitamin complexes, neurotropic, antiviral and sedative drugs, corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunomodulators and cytostatics are recommended.
The use of physical methods - galvanization, phonophoresis, laser acupuncture.

When using all these measures and by connecting traditional medicine, the patient receives the most effective treatment for lichen planus, after which relief comes.

Prevention

To take preventative measures, simple rules should be followed:

lead a healthy lifestyle;
have daily physical activity;
conduct regular hardening of the body;
if possible, eliminate stressful situations at work and at home;
wear comfortable clothes;
carefully observe oral hygiene;
have proper nutrition;
to refuse from bad habits;
undergo a preventive medical examination.

Lichen planus - the disease is quite serious, it causes a lot of inconvenience, but with timely medical attention and proper treatment has a favorable prognosis.

Conclusion

Wilson's disease, often of a chronic form, manifests itself in the form of a nodular rash and severe itching. She is subject to people of all ages, but most often the female representatives are from 40 to 60 years old. With the right therapy and timely treatment, the rashes disappear after two months, and age spots form on the skin, they disappear after a while. Some forms are difficult to treat, and a prolonged ulcerative process on the mucous membranes can degenerate into a malignant tumor. According to the International Classifier of Diseases, a common code is assigned to ICD-10 / L43 lichen planus, the frequency of formation is about one percent of all skin diseases. To prevent the consequences, you should immediately contact the local doctor at the first symptoms of the disease, who will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Lichen planus: treatment, causes, symptoms, diagnosis