Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for vulvar lichen planus

by Eli Streich Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Cortisone cream applied to the vulva and vagina can provide relief and stop lichen planus from getting worse. Strong cortisone is safe to use on inflamed skin and will not cause the skin of your vulva to thin. Medications such as prednisolone or methotrexate may also help.

Medication

  • For lichen planus on the skin, apply a paste of turmeric powder and water on the affected areas and rinse it off after 15 minutes.
  • For oral lichen planus, the above-mentioned study made a turmeric ointment using 10 parts of alcohol to 1 part powder.
  • Add turmeric powder to your dishes.

Self-care

  • Start every morning with a glass of aloe vera juice.
  • Apply aloe vera gel on the affected areas of the skin.
  • For oral lichen planus, aloe vera mouthwash can be beneficial. 7

Nutrition

Treatment

  • Symptomatic treatment. Treatments such as topical numbing agents can be used to provide temporary relief for areas that are particularly painful.
  • Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids may reduce inflammation related to oral lichen planus. ...
  • Immune response medicines. ...
  • Dealing with triggers. ...

How to treat lichen planus naturally?

Does tanning help lichen planus. A 57-year-old female asked: I have lichen planus for 5 months dr. meds are no help. all over skin only, are tanning beds useful for itchiy skin in moderation. ... No cure: There is no cure, just maintenance for lichen planus. Several dentists work with particular pharmacies to have a custom rinse made up for ...

Are there herbal remedies for lichen planus?

What are the treatment options for widespread lichen planus?

Does tanning help in curing lichen planus?

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Can Vulvar lichen planus be cured?

There's no single treatment that can cure lichen planus completely. However, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and make living with it easier. For example, steroid creams or ointments are often used to help relieve the itch and control the rash.

How do you get rid of lichen planus fast?

Treatment for severe cases of lichen planus may include the following:Antihistamines may be used to reduce itching and are available for purchase online.Phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) light can also be used to reduce symptoms.Steroid creams or ointments can be very effective in reducing inflammation and redness.More items...•

How do you treat vaginal lichen?

Corticosteroid ointments or creams are commonly prescribed for lichen sclerosus. Initially, you'll generally have to use cortisone creams or ointments on the affected skin twice a day. After several weeks, your doctor will likely recommend that you only use these medications twice a week to prevent a recurrence.

What is the best cream for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Ultrapotent topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate have become the first-line treatment for genital lichen sclerosus in adults and children. They are applied daily for up to 3 months and afterwards at reduced frequency.

Which ointment is best for lichen planus?

For genital lichen planus lesions, triamcinolone ointment (Triderm) is a good firstline agent. Topical tacrolimus (Protopic) and clobetasol (Temovate) appear to be effective treatments for vulvovaginal erosive lichen planus.

What's the difference between lichen planus and lichen sclerosus?

It occurs more commonly in people who have gone through menopause. The difference between lichen planus and lichen sclerosus is that lichen sclerosus rarely affects the mucous membranes in your mouth.

What over the counter cream is good for lichen sclerosus?

Tacrolimus ointment, as well as one called pimecrolimus ointment, are creams that help your immune system recognize lichen sclerosus as an invader.

How long does steroid cream take to work on lichen sclerosus?

Clobetasol propionate is an ultra-potent (also called a super potent) corticosteroid and research has shown that treatment for 12 weeks significantly improves symptoms of lichen sclerosus in 75% to 90% of patients, compared to only 10% of patients given a placebo ointment (a pretend ointment).

Does Vaseline help lichen sclerosus?

Self-help for lichen sclerosus Avoid rubbing or scratching the area. Gently dab your genitals dry after urinating, to stop the urine irritating the skin. Apply a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly, after washing and before and after urinating.

What is the best natural treatment for lichen sclerosus?

Approach to vulvar lichen sclerosus natural treatment Rehmannia and Baical Skullcap are useful herbs in this regard; Certain herbs including Chickweed and Calendula reduce itching, pain and skin inflammation. A naturopath can add these to a vitamin E cream for you to apply to the area to relieve your symptoms.

What is the latest treatment for lichen sclerosus?

The current "gold standard" treatment for lichen sclerosus is potent steroids creams. When used correctly, steroid creams help to decrease the symptoms of itching and burning and can prevent further vulvar scarring.

How do you self treat lichen sclerosus?

Treatment approaches for this include self-massage and dilator therapy to reduce pain with sexual intercourse. Sometimes oral medications are recommended. The good news for patients who have been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus (LS) is that treatments such as topical steroid ointments are very effective.

What is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a relatively uncommon inflammatory condition that affects the skin, nails, mouth, and vagina, usually around midlife. One of its most troubling manifestations is erosive lichen planus of the vulva (ELPV), an often painful condition that usually starts ...

Can ELPV be treated with corticosteroid?

According to a study in the March 2006 Archives of Dermatology, the best way to relieve or eliminate symptoms is with strong topical corticosteroid drugs, alone or in combination with antifungal or antibacterial preparations. The research also suggests a possible link between ELPV and the development of a form of skin cancer.

How is Lichen Planus Diagnosed?

In most cases, the diagnosis of lichen planus is based on how it looks. The doctor often wants to take a sample of the skin for testing to be sure that everything is okay. The tissue will look like it has been reacting to something and will show up in a few different ways:

What Are The Symptoms of Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus may cause a small number or many lesions on the skin and mouth.

What is Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is a lichenoid, non-infectious inflammatory skin disorder. It typically presents as an itchy or burning eruption with purple discolouration in the form of discrete papules coalescing into plaques. Lichen planus is a skin disease characterized by scaly and itchy lesions. It causes significant pain, burning, or tingling sensations. It is usually self-limiting, and lichen planus resolves without treatment within two years. It may recur periodically throughout life due to triggers such as sunlight or stress. It doesn’t really affect your breathing so most cases are milder than other types of dermatitis; however chronic sufferers should still consult their doctor because there’s no telling what else could happen if left untreated over long periods.

What Happens To Untreated Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is a disease. It often goes away in a couple of years, but it might take a decade or longer for mucosal lichen planus. Spontaneous recovery is unpredictable and lichen planus may come back at any time. There is no cure for lichen planus, and the scars are permanent, including balding of the scalp.

How many people have lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a skin condition that affects one in every hundred people worldwide. Most are adults over the age of 40 years, but oral lichen planus more often occurs in women than men and about 10% have nail lichens which occur most frequently among those with diabetes mellitus or chronic renal failure.

Where do lichen planus bumps appear?

It will have bumps that are flat-topped, shiny, and purple to grey in colour. The bumps tend to occur at the wrists and elbows and ankles. When lichen planus affects the mucous membranes of the lips or cheeks, these white filmy eruptions clear up slowly when you stop taking the medication that caused it.

Can lichen planopilaris cause eyebrow scarring?

It can be a form of lichen planus that affects the forehead and eyebrows too. Lichen planopilaris maybe like pseudopelade of Brocq, which is where you get small areas of scarring without hair. If you have this skin condition, your doctor may prescribe some medicine for it.

What Is The Best Treatment For Lichen Planus?

In mild cases, symptoms may be minimal or absent and no therapy may be needed.

What is Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus (LP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory autoimmune skin and mucous membrane disease. LP most commonly presents as itchy, shiny, reddish-purple spots (lesions) on the skin (cutaneous LP) or as white-gray lesions in the mouth or on the lips (oral LP). Lichen planus is a relatively common disorder, estimated to effect 0.5% to 2.0%of the general population. It is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting mucosal and cutanous tissue. Oral lichen planus occurs more frequently than the cutanous form and tends to be more resistant to any treatment.

What Are Symptoms of Lichen Planus?

Some of the most common symptoms of lichen planus include the following:

Where are the lichen planus spots?

These spots tend to be located on the inner wrists, forearms, the lower legs just above the ankles, and the lower part of the back.

Can lichen planus be caused by drugs?

Some drugs, such as those containing arsenic, bismuth, or gold, can produce an eruption which appears identical to lichen planus. Exposure to certain chemicals used in the development of color photographs can also produce a similar rash. The long-term use of the drugs quinacrine or quinidine (Quinidine Gluconate, Quinidine Sulfate), may produce hypertrophic lichen planus of the lower legs. Lichenoid eruptions can occur in graft-versus-host disease in people who have received bone marrow transplants. Tissue examination by a pathologist (biopsy) is frequently necessary to distinguish such lichenoid drug eruptions from classical lichen planus. Of course, stopping the offending drug is associated with resolution of the eruption.

Can hepatitis C cause lichen planus?

The cause of lichen planus is unknown. In certain locales, patients with extensive lichen planus seem to be more likely to have a hepatitis C virus infection of the liver. However, it seems unlikely that the virus is the cause of lichen planus in such situations.

Is lichen planus more resistant to treatment?

Oral lichen planus occurs more frequently than the cutanous form and tends to be more resistant to any treatment. Less commonly, LP may also involve the genitals (penile or vulvar LP), scalp (lichen planopilaris), ears (otic LP), nails, eyes, and esophagus. Similar to lichen found growing on trees and rocks in forests, ...

How is Lichen Planus of Vulva Diagnosed?

The following are the diagnostic methods and tests that may be used for Lichen Planus of Vulva:

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lichen Planus of Vulva?

Generally, the timing of development of the signs and symptoms are important in ensuring an accurate diagnosis. Lichen Planus has a slow onset; it may take days and weeks for the signs and symptoms to develop. Nevertheless, Lichen Planus of Vulva may be asymptomatic and non-itchy in many individuals. After onset of the condition, the lesions may last many months and sometimes, even for years.

What age group is most affected by lichen planus of vulva?

In general, women in the 30-60 year age group are affected the most. Most lesions are asymptomatic, however some may ulcerate and cause pain. The treatment for Lichen Planus of Vulva in symptomatic individuals may include the use of topical steroidal creams, immunosuppressive therapy, and photo-chemotherapy.

How long does a linchen planus of vulva last?

After onset of the condition, the lesions may last many months and sometimes, even for years. The signs and symptoms of Lichen Planus of Vulva may include: Chronic itching and scaling of the skin that causes the skin to become thick, discolored, and leathery.

What causes a lchen planus of vulva?

In some cases, abnormal cell-mediated immunity may be the potential cause. There is no definitive proof that certain types of diet may influence its development.

What is a lchen planus?

What is Lichen Planus of Vulva? (Definition/Background Information) Lichen Planus (LP) is a common, benign condition of generally unknown cause affecting the skin and mucus membranes. Classically, Lichen Planus skin lesions have been described as papule, purple, polygonal, and pruritus - the “4 P’s”.

Where can lignin planus occur?

These can occur anywhere in the body and mouth. Lichen Planus of Vulva can affect the vulva (vaginal opening), as a single lesion or multiple lesions in a ring-like pattern. It is not a sexually contracted disease. In general, women in the 30-60 year age group are affected the most.

How to diagnose lichen planus?

This is usually done by evaluating the genital area including the vagina and examining the signs and symptoms of this condition. A vulvar biopsy may do to differentiate lichen planus from other causes of inflammation.

What is a lichen planus?

Many medical experts join hands and define lichen planus to be an uncommon inflammatory skin condition that results in itchy or burning rash, painful purple or red lesions. This usually occurs on arms, legs or in the mouth but can also occur on the vulvar.

Why does vulvar cause chen planus?

Lichen planus on vulvar can also occur due to reaction towards certain medications. Medications that can contribute to its formation include the following: Common drugs used to treat cardiovascular problems. They are called beta-blockers. Anti-inflammatory treatments.

What are the conditions that can be associated with lichen planus?

More conditions that can be associated with lichen planus include diabetes, hypertension or allergic reaction to certain chemicals.

Is lichen planus a rare disease?

The clear cause of lichen planus is not yet discovered. It is a non-infectious, non-cancerous and non-hereditary inflammatory skin disorder. This condition is also not associated with nutrition though certain foods may aggravate the symptoms. This skin condition is approximated to affect 1% of the population and therefore it is a rare disease.

Can vulvar cause aging?

It is not definitely caused by infection, diet, aging, menopause, hygiene practices or sexual activities. It usually attacks adults, it is uncommon among children and adolescents. You`ll always find that quite a good number of women with vulvar LP are middle-aged and beyond.

Can lichen planus cause cancer?

This condition usually presents in different forms, I mean it has varying symptoms. If it is not treated, lichen planus can cause permanent scarring and possibly cancer….For most women, it is a lifelong condition.

What is the best treatment for LP?

Some people with LP will need other treatments besides topical steroid ointments. Some specialists use immune modulating creams like pimecrolimus or tacrolimus.   Some doctors recommend immune suppressing tablets like weekly methotrexate or daily prednisone.   Each of these medications has its own side effects that your doctor will discuss with you.   Patients being treated for a widespread autoimmune condition (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) often find this treatment also helps their LP.   Each person is different so it is important to work with your doctor to find the combination of medications that is right for you.

What is LP skin?

Lichen planus (LP) is a skin disorder that affects at least 1% of adults. LP is an inflammatory condition and some people who have it also have autoimmune diseas like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and Grave’s disease.   No one knows what causes LP.

How to stop itching when sleeping?

Take an oral antihistamine at bedtime to help control the itching as you try to sleep.

What ointment is used for corticosteroid?

If corticosteroid treatment doesn't work or if months of corticosteroid therapy are needed, your doctor may prescribe an ointment such as tacrolimus (Protopic).

Does Lichen sclerosus get better on its own?

Treatment helps reduce itching, improve your skin's appearance and decrease further scarring. Recurrence is common. Rarely, lichen sclerosus gets better on its own.

What Is The Best Treatment For Lichen Sclerosus?

Conventional treatment typically focuses on the management of the symptoms and prevention of scarring. While most doctors view lichen sclerosus as a life-long condition, it is possible to put the symptoms into remission. With the right steps, many women can eventually experience total relief. It may not be an easy or straightforward road to recovery, but it is possible.

How to diagnose lichen sclerosus?

How Is Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosed? Generally, doctors diagnose lichen sclerosus with a physical exam. Most of the time, your doctor will be able to visually spot the telltale signs of lichen sclerosus. Sometimes, your doctor will take a biopsy to confirm a suspected case of lichen sclerosus.

What Is Lichen Sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition that is ten times more common in women than in men. Lichen sclerosus creates patches where the skin becomes thin, white, and shiny.

Why is lichen sclerosus so tricky?

Lichen sclerosus can be tricky because it can coexist with several other conditions that may look and feel the same. For example:

Why is lichen sclerosus more likely to occur in girls who haven't reached puberty?

Hormonal Imbalance May Cause Lichen Sclerosus. Because lichen sclerosus is more likely to occur in girls who haven’t reached puberty yet and post-menopausal women, researchers believe there may be some connection between lichen sclerosus and fluctuating hormone levels.

Can lichen sclerosus be recovered?

With the right steps, many women can eventually experience total relief. It may not be an easy or straightforward road to recovery, but it is possible. If your doctor tells you that you have lichen sclerosus, it's crucial to maintain regular check-ups with your physician.

Is Lichen sclerosus related to autoimmunity?

Some doctors also believe that lichen sclerosus could be related to autoimmunity. However, the connection seems to exist only in women, not men. In a study of 532 patients with lichen sclerosus, researchers found that women were likely to have another autoimmune condition, especially an autoimmune thyroid condition.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Aakash Gupta
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment helps to manage the symptoms but cannot be cured.
Medication

Corticosteroid creams: Reduces inflammation and redness. Cream is applied directly on the itchy spots.

Clobetasol propionate


Immunosuppressants: Drugs that reduce immune response may be prescribed.

Cyclosporine

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Avoid spicy foods and acidic causing foods, such as citrus fruit juice, because they can irritate oral lichen planus.
  • Avoid sharp food, such as crusty bread.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol, particularly spirits.
  • Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
  • Keep the mouth as clean as possible.
  • Clean the teeth using a mild toothpaste that does not include sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming agent).

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • No foods are known to cause the condition. Good healthy diet and regular exercise is recommended.
  • Folic acid rich foods like green vegetables may prevent dry skin.
  • Diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Eat soft and bland food
  • Consume adequate water to maintain good hydration.

Foods to avoid:

  • Avoid excess of salty and spicy foods
  • Avoid sour and acidic foods, vinegar, tamarind, refined flours.
  • Avoid crispy foods

Specialist to consult

Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your doctor makes a diagnosis of lichen planus based on your symptoms, your medical history, a physical examination and, if necessary, the results of lab tests. These tests may include: 1. Biopsy.Your doctor removes a small piece of affected tissue for examination under a microscop…
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