Dermatology >>>> What is lichen planus?

What is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a chronically recurring skin disease with eruptions that differ depending on the course of the disease. The elements of the rash are called papules and have the appearance of an irregular swelling that rises above the surface of the skin and has an impression in the center. In total, there are six clinical forms (manifestations) of the disease: atypical, typical, exudative - hyperemic, bullous, erosive - ulcerative, hyperkeratotic.

Each of the clinical forms can transform into another form, and each of the forms is characterized by monomorphic rashes. Externally, the rash looks like papules of red - purple, pinkish or whitish - pearlescent color, depending on the form of manifestation of the disease. The most severe form of the course of the disease is considered to be an erosive - ulcerative form, which affects the mucous membranes. Sometimes it occurs as a complication of other forms of the disease. The erosive form is characterized by ulcers or erosion, around which papules, typical of the disease, are located.

The causes of lichen planus are not completely clear, but it is assumed that its manifestations are associated with the body's immune responses to external stimuli, which can be viral infection, allergens, stressors, pathologies of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, endocrine disorders.

Usually the elements of rashes (papules) are located on the skin in the bend of the limbs (especially the arms), in the groin, on the back of the palms, on the wrists, in the armpits, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, on the skin of the lips. A peculiar feature characteristic of rashes are patterns that form rashes, for example, in the form of stripes or nets.

When making a diagnosis, it is required to differentiate lichen planus with syphilitic rashes or psoriasis.

Treatment of lichen planus requires a thorough examination of the patient to detect immune disorders, endocrine diseases, metabolic disorders. The survey also affects the study of the state of the digestive system and the processes of digestion themselves, the state of the nervous system.

Medicines for the treatment of the disease include sedatives, antihistamines, vitamin therapy with the participation of group B, nicotinic acid. Sometimes histaglobulin injections, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed.

Lichen planus is a recurrent disease with possible long-term remissions. Therefore, the task of therapeutic treatment is reduced to increasing the time intervals of remission.