Cortisone is hardly an effective as long term treatment for Lichen Planus* Lichen Planus is conventionally treated using cortisone. Our significant experience based on the treatment of over 2000 cases of Lichen Planus (as on September, 2008), without any use of cortisone has taught us many things. Some of the learning that has happed about the use or abuse of cortisone is worth sharing with the patient as well as the medical fraternity. 1. Cortisone helps initially for a short time 2. Cortisone leads to relapse of LP 3. Cortisone treated relapse is more severe, more complex 4. Cortisone treated LP is more difficult to treat 5. It is wise to avoid cortisone during all stages of LP (only exception is most severe cases of oral or genital Lichen Planus.) 6. Cortisone puts you to the vicious cycle of dependency 7. Cortisone dependents have to come out of the vicious cycle ( * Observations based on a statistical study of over 800 cases of LP at our center, who were earlier treated with cortisone.)

This article has been written on the basis of our extensive experience in treating a large number of cases of Lichen Planus and other diseases which are otherwise treated conventionally using cortisone. This is also supported by practice and experience of numerous reputed homeopathic professionals.

Also, as per the medical philosophy of homeopathy, cortisone in any form (oral, systemic or local) is not a wise option for treating Lichen Planus. Cortisone is an immuno-suppressive measure which helps but it also leads to an inevitable relapse in most cases after stopping its the use.

It has been observed in daily practice, that, use of cortisone produces dramatic result initially. However, its influence is quite superficial, as the eruptions not only relapse after stopping the cortisone, but they relapse more aggressively. The use of cortisone is not recommended due to the following observations:

1. It helps only superficially and temporarily
2. Stopping of the cortisone eventually leads to the reappearance of eruptions
3. The eruption, which relapses after the use of cortisone, are more resistant than before
4. The extent of eruptions increase after stopping the cortisone in most cases
5. Cortisone produce side effects by hampering the immunity, lowering resistance, disturbing hormonal cycle, etc.

Let us talk a bit more about suppression with cortisone. As we understand, the eruption of LP is just an expression of some inner disharmony. Cortisone simply masks the eruption without treating the inner cause. Such a measure is understood to be suppressive. Homeopathy is against any use of local cream for treating any skin disease in general and LP in particular. Non-suppressive treatment is considered superior for any medical disorder.

It must be noted that cortisone is a life saving measure. However, its easy use in the treatment of various skin diseases may result in more complexity then cure.

(Cases presented with Cortisone adverse effects, finally treated and cure at Life Force)

It will be worthwhile examining a case of a child who puffed  up after oral cortisone for the treatment of Lichen Planus, without getting cured. The child was treated at Life Force, who eventually got rid off cortisone as well as Lichen Planus. The patient and her parents were kind enough to permit us to use the photo for educational purpose.

Please click here to study adverse effects of Cortisone.