If you have a rash with red purple or bluish lesions that itches and spreads, you may have lichen planus. This disease is triggered by the immune system in response to stress, allergens or viral infection. It may affect skin, scalp, nails as well as mouth and genitalia.
Lichen Planus is a chronic recurrent skin disease of unknown cause. It generally affects adults and can involve any portion of skin and mucous membrane.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RASH:

1. Small, flat topped, polygona bumps that may coalesce into rough scaly plagues on the skin.
2. It is an inflammatory disease.
3. Its name is descriptive in that to some it resembles a simple plant, a lichen, which grows on rocks and tree barks, while planus means flat.

CAUSES:

1. Unknown aetiology
2. Some viral infection hepatitis C virus infection of liver.
3. Drugs- Arsenic, Bismuth and gold can produce lesions.
4. Chemical exposure- development of colour photographs can produce similar rash.
5. Long term use of quinidine.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

1. Sudden onset or gradual.
2. First attack last for weeks or months.
3. Bumps at first are 2mm- 4mm angular border.
4. After that hyperpigmentation occurs.
5. On scalp permanent damage of hair follicles.

TYPES- Main 4 types:

1. Reticular    -    White web like pattern called “Wickham’s Striae”.
2. Erosive       -    Bright red rash with ulceration in mouth.
3. Bullous       -    Fluid- filled blisters and lesions that can occur in mouth genitals, lower limbs and trunk.
4. Atrophic    -     Rarest form affects trunk and legs.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF LICHEN PLANUS:

Charma Kushtha is a clinical condition which resembles LP. Charma Kushtha is dominant of Vata and Kapha dosha. Itching, hyperkeratosis, sliminess and thickness are all features of KAPHA dominancy. Acanthosis (Karshnya) is the feature of aggravated Vata. The ethology of Kushtha is Visha (anti immune) usually result from external environmental factors or due to consumption of incompatible food. Stress causes vitiation of Rasa Dhatu which causes Kapha Dushti.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF LICHEN PLANUS:

In Ayurveda, we recommend comprehensive treatment strategy that involves strengthening digestion and detoxifying and eliminating toxins. Ayurvedic treatment aims to rid the body of accumulated toxin by Panchkarma. We recommend herbal formulations, local application.

Single herb for LP treatment:

1. Manjistha
2. Khadira
3. Sariva
4. Nimba
5. Mahanimba
6. Gudoochi
7. Vasaka
8. Chandana
9. Karanja
10. Haridra
11. Bakuchi

Internal administration:

1. Mahatikta Kashaya
2. Panchtiktaka Kashaya
3. Triphla Guggulu
4. Kaishora Guggulu
5. Khadirarishta

Local application:

1.  Neem Karaj oil
2. Bakuchi oil
3. Mahamarishyadi oil

 If you are suffering from Lichen Planus, do not delay in contacting specialist Ayurvedic doctors team at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic to get rid of your health problems as soon as possible.