Lichen planus (LP)

Manifestations

The main causes of the development of red flat lichen are nervous overload and emotional stress. In some cases, red flat lichen may appear after:

• viral diseases;
• toxic-allergic conditions;
• diabetes mellitus;
• hypertensive disease.

Especially often, red flat lichen develops in patients wearing dentures or having untreated teeth. According to statistics, women get sick more often after thirty years. In 60% of patients with red flat lichen, the mucous membrane of the mouth or genitals is affected, with a characteristic mesh (Wickham mesh). 

Some patients have nail damage. The combination of such symptoms allows you to establish the correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis should be carried out with psoriasis, pink Lichen Giber, allergic and fungal skin diseases. Detection and treatment of concomitant disease is the primary goal of therapy of red flat lichen.

Treatment

Treatment of lichen planus includes local and systemic therapy. Corticosteroid ointments and creams (sometimes special pastes and gels for the oral cavity), calcineurin inhibitors, and retinoid preparations are used for local therapy. In some cases, triamcinolone foci are circumscribed with acetonide. Cyclosporine A, corticosteroids, azathioprine, thalidomide (categorically prohibited for pregnant women), hydroxychloroquine, levamisole, and retinoids are used in the systemic treatment of lichen planus. Widely used phototherapy, namely PUVA and UVB phototherapy. The latter is considered the safest and most effective method of treating lichen planus, in combination with or without local therapy. This treatment tactic makes it possible to avoid severe side effects of systemic therapy. In the "LeoDerm" clinic, you will be able to undergo a course of treatment on one of the most modern UVB therapy devices, which is used in all the leading dermatological clinics in the world. Our specialists will select the optimal treatment regimens for you to ensure a quick recovery and a long-lasting effect.