Treatment for lichen planus can be done at home with the use of antihistamine medicines, such as Hydroxizine or Desloratadine, prescribed by the dermatologist, which help relieve the itching caused by skin lesions.
Lichen planus is not contagious and has no cure, and the treatment only helps to alleviate the symptoms and therefore may vary according to the affected regions and the symptoms manifested by each patient.
Other treatments used for nail, cutaneous, capillary or genital lichen planus include:
- Lichen planing ointments / creams that help reduce inflammation and swelling of the disease and should be applied only to red or purple patches of skin 2 times a day;
- Injections of corticoids in lesions of lichen planus, helping in its cicatrization;
- Use of retinoic acid, also known as Tretinoin, which is a form of vitamin A and helps reduce inflammation of skin problems;
- Phototherapy, uses ultraviolet rays, applied 2 to 3 times a week, which penetrate the layers of skin and stimulate the immune system to fight the disease.
Treatment for lichen planus in the mouth can be done with antiseptic mouthwashes without alcohol, which must be prescribed by the dentist. Learn more about this type and how to deal with it.
In some cases, lichen planus can also be caused by Hepatitis C or excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, for example, and it is necessary to eliminate the cause in order to treat the disease.
Treatment for lichen planus can last from a few months to several years, as the patient may experience recurrent episodes of the disease until the body is able to eliminate it.
Home treatment for lichen planus
Home treatment for lichen planus should include some care such as:
- Apply a moisturizer on affected skin at least 2 times a day;
- Apply ice packs over swollen or itchy areas;
- Avoid eating spicy, acidic or hard foods, such as bread, in case of lichen planus in the mouth.
In the case of genital lichen planus, home treatment should also include the use of petroleum jelly before and after urinating, to keep the region hydrated and to prevent burning.
Signs of improvement of lichen planus
Signs of improvement in lichen planus include the disappearance of itching and pain. However, after a few months of treatment the lesions may also disappear or give rise to lighter patches on the skin.
Signs of worsening of lichen planus
The main symptom of worsening lichen planus is the increased pain in the lesions caused by the disease.
Lichen planus complications
When treatment for lichen planus is not done properly or symptoms take many years to disappear, serious complications may occur, including oral ulcers or skin cancer, in the mouth or in the intimate region.
