Lichen Planus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

Lichen Planus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects different areas of the body such as the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. This condition is generally seen in adults aged 30 to 60 years and is more common in women. Lichen planus is usually painful and itchy, causing purple, flat, and shiny bumps on the skin. In this article we have prepared for you, we aim to provide information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of lichen planus.

What is Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that develops as a result of an excessive immune system response and appears on the skin and mucous membranes. This disease, characterized by purple, flat, and shiny bumps in the skin, mouth, and genital region, can also cause hair loss and nail deformities. 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 an excessive immune system response and genetic factors play a role in the development of this disease. Additionally, certain medications, infections, stress, and allergic reactions are considered to contribute to the development of lichen planus.

What are the Symptoms of Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus symptoms may vary depending on the area affected by the disease. The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Purple, flat, and shiny bumps on the skin. These bumps are generally seen in areas such as the wrist, ankle, and lower leg and are itchy.

• White, painful spots and ulcers inside the mouth. Lichen planus can also occur on mucous membranes inside the mouth and can cause painful ulcers that make eating difficult.

• Itchy and painful lesions in the genital area. Lichen planus can also appear in genital areas such as the vulva and vagina and can cause pain during sexual intercourse.

• Hair loss and nail deformities. Lichen planus can affect hair roots and nails, leading to loss and shape deformities.

Lichen planus diagnosis can be made through the patient's complaints and physical examination. When necessary, a definitive diagnosis can be reached through biopsy and other laboratory tests. Lichen planus treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the area it affects. Generally, symptoms can be controlled with corticosteroid creams, antihistamine medications, and immunosuppressive drugs. Additionally, lifestyle changes and supportive treatments that help patients manage stress are also important.

How is Lichen Planus Diagnosed?

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can appear on the skin, inside the mouth, on the nails, and in the genital area. It is particularly more common in adults aged 30-60 years and is more prevalent in women than in men. Lichen planus diagnosis can be made through the patient's complaints, physical examination, and when necessary, laboratory tests.

Lichen planus diagnosis begins by listening to the patient's complaints and performing a physical examination. Patients typically present with complaints of itching, pain, and flat lesions with a reddish-purple color on the skin. White lines and ulcers may be visible inside the mouth, while nail deformities and lines may be observed on the nails. During physical examination, the doctor evaluates the patient's condition by taking these symptoms into account.

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

For lichen planus diagnosis, blood tests and urinalysis may sometimes be performed. These tests help evaluate the patient's general health status and check for the presence of other diseases. In particular, tests may be conducted to screen for hepatitis C infection, which is associated with lichen planus.

In some cases, the cause of lichen planus may be allergic reactions. For this reason, the doctor may order allergy tests for the patient. Identifying allergens plays an important role in the patient's treatment process.

How is Lichen Planus Treated?

Lichen planus treatment varies depending on 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, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications caused by the disease.

The first step in lichen planus treatment is topical therapy aimed at reducing 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 therapy can be applied. Systemic medications such as oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and antiviral medications can be used. These medications reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of the disease by suppressing the body's immune system.

In lichen planus treatment, phototherapy may also be used, especially in patients with lesions in large areas. Using ultraviolet rays, inflammation on the skin is reduced and faster healing of the disease is achieved.

For the healing of lichen planus lesions inside the mouth, it is important that the patient pays attention to oral hygiene. Tooth brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups help the lesions inside the mouth heal more quickly.

In lichen planus treatment, certain lifestyle changes that the patient can make are also important. Stress reduction, healthy nutrition, and appropriate exercise contribute to the treatment of the disease.

Lichen planus diagnosis and treatment vary depending 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 Costs in Turkey

Turkey has managed to gain recognition worldwide through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. In particular, the latest technological equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has brought hope to many diseases. Along with this, there has been an increase in health tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being spacious, clean, airy, and fully equipped in terms of technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and healthcare assistants being friendly and compassionate,

• Quickly and accurately answering questions asked,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering opportunities for vacation with its natural and historical beauties,

• Easy accessibility and transportation,

• Meeting the needs of diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation at affordable prices,

are listed among the reasons for preference. Regarding Lichen Planus Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who wish to come to Turkey are conducting research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide precise price information. Many factors such as the type of disease, its stage, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the duration of stay in Turkey affect the price. If you would like to obtain more detailed price information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.