Symptoms and Treatment of Lichen Planus
Symptoms of Lichen Planus include red patches on the skin and skin that has turned black. When this happens, there are several types of treatment available. Some of these treatments include topical corticosteroids and topical tacrolimus.
Aloe vera
Several modalities have been studied for treating oral lichen planus. The mainstay treatment is corticosteroids. However, these drugs have side effects. Other therapies include antibiotics, light therapy, and chemotherapy.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects, as well as anti-arthritic effects. These therapeutic effects are thought to contribute to a symptom-free cure of oral lichen planus. In addition, aloe vera contains vitamins, amino acids, and healthy plant compounds.
Some randomized clinical trials have reported that aloe vera is a safe alternative to corticosteroids. However, new trials should include standardized aloe vera formulations and include a longer follow-up period. It is important to weigh the potential benefits against possible side effects.
Some studies have shown that aloe vera is more effective than a placebo in treating oral lichen planus. However, aloe vera is not as effective as triamcinolone acetonide, which is a steroid ointment, in treating ulcerative lichen planus lesions.
The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of aloe vera mouthwash with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%. Both groups used the drug locally three times a day for eight weeks. After eight weeks, patients were re-evaluated. The results showed that the treatment with aloe vera mouthwash showed a statistically significant improvement over the placebo.
Another study investigated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on oral lichen planus. The study included 60 patients. The first group was given 70% aloe vera gel. The second group received 0.1% local triamcinolone.
Other studies have found that aloe vera is not effective at treating vulval lichen planus. However, a recent study found that aloe vera therapy was effective in treating vulval lichen planus in women.
Another study found that aloe vera has minimal adverse effects. However, it is important to note that aloe consumption has been associated with thyroid dysfunction. In addition, alternative medicines can interact with prescription medicines and cause serious adverse reactions.
Aloe vera may not be suitable for nursing mothers, pregnant women, and those who have liver or thyroid problems. If you are considering a treatment for lichen planus, it is important to consult with your physician.
Lichen planus may increase your risk of oral cancer. It is important to visit your physician at least once a year to monitor the condition.
Topical tacrolimus
Several studies have found topical tacrolimus to be a highly effective treatment for oral lichen planus. Topical tacrolimus is a member of the immunosuppressive macrolide family, which inhibits the transcription of genes involved in the process of TNF-alpha activation. It is used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and is also known to inhibit the activation of T cells.
Topical tacrolimus has also been found to be effective for genital lichen planus in small case series. In a case series of 16 women with painful vulvar lichen planus, topical tacrolimus therapy significantly improved lesions in all but one of the patients.
One patient reported that her vulvar lichen planus was no longer present during the course of therapy. The study did not report measurements of serum tacrolimus levels, and the authors suggested that the efficacy of topical tacrolimus may have been overestimated in daily practice. A large prospective RCT is needed to investigate whether tacrolimus is associated with malignant transformation.
Another study evaluated the clinical response to topical tacrolimus for atopic dermatitis. The study was a retrospective study and included 57 consecutive patients from the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of Bern. After completing a history form, all patients underwent a biopsy. They were then instructed to wash their mouths with a solution containing 0.03% tacrolimus for 5 minutes. They were also asked to classify their lesions as completely resolved or partially resolved and to prioritize the lesions. The patients were followed for an average of three months.
Topical tacrolimus for oral lichen planus is effective, safe, and well-tolerated. However, it is unclear whether it is more effective than topical corticosteroids for treating lesions on the face. A larger prospective study is needed to determine the long-term prognosis of NLP after cessation of topical tacrolimus therapy.
Topical tacrolimus is also effective for recalcitrant oral lichen planus. In this case series, 7 of the 21 patients showed a clinical response to topical tacrolimus treatment within three months. In addition, all but one of the patients were stable for at least a year without topical tacrolimus.
Topical corticosteroids
Several forms of topical corticosteroids are used in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). They can be applied as mouthwashes, gels, or ointments. They help in reducing redness, inflammation, and swelling. They also have antihistamine properties, which help in relieving itching.
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause sores in the mouth. It is found mostly in middle-aged adults. These ulcers are often painful and can be even more painful during stress or during extreme fatigue.
Topical corticosteroids for oral lichen planus are a relatively simple and safe treatment option. They help to reduce inflammation and redness and to speed up healing. They also have minimal systemic side effects. In many cases, they are also effective in treating mouth ulcers.
In most cases, the first treatment attempt is to use topical medications. Several studies have shown that oral lichen planus can be effectively treated with topical corticosteroids. These include soluble betamethasone tablets and mouthwashes.
Oral lichen planus can also be treated with systemic corticosteroids. These medications can be taken as pills, injections, or ointments. Some patients may not tolerate systemic corticosteroids. They can be taken for a specific period of time or indefinitely.
Other treatments include antibiotics, which protect against fungi. They also help in preventing superinfection. Other treatments are used to relieve symptoms, such as pain and itching. The use of topical anesthetics numbs the area temporarily.
One study reported that patients who received topical tacrolimus ointment for three to six weeks had an average pain score of 3.2 at the beginning of treatment. At the end of treatment, the average score had improved to 1.2.
A separate review is being conducted to examine non-corticosteroid treatments for lichen planus. Some of these include antihistamines and local antifungals. However, there are still a number of unanswered questions about the effectiveness of oral lichen planus treatment with topical corticosteroids.
High-quality, well-reported studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of various topical corticosteroids. The authors suggest that the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus should be based on national guidelines. These guidelines should include the dosage, the method of application, and the criteria for treatment.
Treatment options
Symptoms of lichen planus include the appearance of scaly patches or flakes on the skin. The condition can also appear on the mouth and scalp. If left untreated, the disease can progress to cause painful erosions of the labia minora and posterior vestibule.
Patients with lichen planus tend to develop the condition in adulthood. It affects about 1% of the general population. It can also be triggered by a variety of factors. For example, certain drugs, such as thiazide diuretics and tetracycline, can cause the rash to appear.
Lichen planus can cause permanent scarring. It usually goes away on its own, but it can come back at any time. Some treatment options include topical and oral medications, as well as light therapy. If the disease is not responsive to high-potency corticosteroids, doctors may use topical immunosuppressants as a second-line treatment.
The primary treatment option for lichen planus is to improve the immune system. This may be done through topical or systemic high-potency corticosteroids, light therapy, or other medications. If symptoms do not improve, some experts may recommend discontinuing therapy.
If the condition is severe or recurring, doctors may perform a biopsy. This can help to identify and rule out other skin conditions, such as melanoma and cancer. In some cases, a biopsy may not be necessary. However, patients with suspected erosive lichen planus should have wet mounts performed. This may help to locate the erosive lesions.
Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease. It usually resolves itself after a few months. Symptoms can include red, scaly skin, hair loss, and erosions. However, if the disease is left untreated, it can continue to recur and lead to permanent scarring.
Patients with erosive lichen planus should be monitored by a multidisciplinary team. This includes a dentist, a dermatologist, and a gynecologist. This team should also examine the patient for any signs of vulvar disease. If the vulvar is affected, the physician should perform a biopsy.
Lichen planus may be triggered by stress, genetic factors, or drugs. Women are more likely to develop the disease than men. However, both sexes may be affected.
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