What is Lichen Planus? What Are The Symptoms and Treatment Methods?

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects different parts of the body such as skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. This condition usually occurs in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more common in women. Lichen planus is usually painful and itchy and causes purplish, flat and shiny bumps on the skin. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give information about the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of lichen planus.

What Is Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the skin and mucous membranes and develops as a result of overreaction of the immune system. This disease, which is characterized by purplish, flat and shiny wheals on the skin, mouth and genital area, can also cause hair loss and nail deformations. Lichen planus is usually painful and itchy and can sometimes last for years.

What Causes Lichen Planus?

The exact cause of lichen planus is not yet fully known. However, it is thought that the overreaction of the immune system and genetic factors play a role in the emergence of this disease. In addition, environmental factors such as certain medications, infections, stress and allergic reactions are also thought to contribute to the development of lichen planus.

What Are The Symptoms of Lichen Planus?

Symptoms of lichen planus may vary depending on the area affected by the disease. The most common symptoms are as follows;

• Purplish, flat and shiny ridges on the skin. These blisters are usually seen in areas such as wrists, ankles and lower legs and are itchy.
• White, painful spots and sores in the mouth. Lichen planus can also occur on the mucous membranes in the mouth and cause painful sores that make it difficult to eat.
• Itchy and painful lesions in the genital area. Lichen planus can also appear on genital areas such as the vulva and vagina and can cause pain during sexual intercourse.
• Hair loss and nail deformations. Lichen planus can affect the hair follicles and nails, causing hair loss and deformities.

The diagnosis of lichen planus can be made by the patient’s complaints and physical examination. If necessary, a definitive diagnosis can be reached with a biopsy and other laboratory tests. Treatment of lichen planus varies according to the severity of the disease and the affected area. Generally, symptoms can be controlled with corticosteroid creams, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants. Also important are lifestyle changes and supportive therapies to help patients manage stress.

How Is Lichen Planus Diagnosed?

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can be seen on the skin, inside the mouth, nails, and genital area. It is more common in adults between the ages of 30-60 and is more common in women than in men. The diagnosis of lichen planus can be made by the patient’s complaints, physical examination, and laboratory tests when necessary.

Diagnosis of lichen planus begins by listening to the patient’s complaints and performing a physical examination. Patients usually complain of itching, pain and reddish-purple flat lesions on the skin. White lines and ulcers in the mouth and deformities and lines in the nails may be seen. During the physical examination, the doctor assesses the patient’s condition by taking these symptoms into account.

The definitive method for the diagnosis of lichen planus is the examination of a tissue sample taken from the suspected lesion. The doctor takes a small tissue sample from the lesion and sends it to the laboratory for pathological examination. As a result of pathology, it is determined whether the lesion is lichen planus or not.

Sometimes blood tests and urine tests can also be performed to diagnose lichen planus. These tests help to assess the patient’s general health and check for the presence of other diseases. In particular, tests may be done for hepatitis C infection, which is associated with lichen planus.

In some cases, allergic reactions may be the cause of lichen planus. Therefore, the doctor may order allergy tests for the patient. Detection of allergens plays an important role in the patient’s treatment process.

How Is Lichen Planus Treated?

Lichen planus treatment varies according to the severity of the patient’s complaints and the extent of the disease. The aim of treatment is to improve the patient’s quality of life, alleviate symptoms and prevent complications caused by the disease.

The first step in the treatment of lichen planus is a topical treatment to reduce itching and inflammation on the skin. Products such as steroid creams, moisturizers, and antihistamine creams can be used.

In severe and widespread lichen planus cases, systemic treatment can be applied. Systemic drugs such as oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and antiviral drugs can be used. These drugs suppress the body’s immune system, reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of the disease.

Phototherapy can also be used in the treatment of lichen planus, especially in patients with lesions in large areas. By using ultraviolet rays, inflammation on the skin is reduced and the disease is cured faster.

For the healing of lichen planus lesions in the mouth, it is important for the patient to pay attention to oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups help the lesions in the mouth to heal faster.

In the treatment of lichen planus, some changes in the patient’s lifestyle are also important. Stress reduction, healthy diet, and appropriate exercise contribute to the treatment of the disease.

Diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus depend on the patient’s complaints and the extent of the disease. By following the doctor’s recommendations and making lifestyle changes, patients can improve their quality of life and minimize the negative effects of the disease.

Lichen Planus Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Türkiye are doing research on Lichen Planus Treatment Prices in Türkiye. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Türkiye for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.