Causes of Lichen Planus

 

Lichen Planus is found to be an immunologically mediated disease. The exact cause of Lichen Planus is not very clearly understood. Some triggers have been found which are clinically found to be responsible for Lichen Planus. It is one of those conditions where the exact cause remains unknown to the date. There are theories. In some cases, there are obvious links with the facts such as

1. Modern Medicines

Certain modern medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAID), antihypertensive medicines, amalgamated dental filling, etc are known to induce Lichen Planus, which has a tendency to persist despite the discontinuation of the said medicines.

It may be of interest to list the common modern medicines which are known to induce Lichen Planus:

  • NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Tetracycline
  • Captopril
  • Propranolol
  • Sulfonamide
  • Dapsone
  • Furosemide
  • Chloroquine
  • Penicillamine
  • Methyldopa
  • Enalapril
  • Allopurinol (anti-gout medicine)

2. Chemical Contact

Contact with certain chemicals (paraphenylenediamine), drugs (Arsenic compounds, certain metals such as Gold, Bismuth, Quinacrine), exposure to light by photography development), etc.

3. Stress Leads to Lichen Planus

In our in-depth studies, we have observed that certain intense and prolonged emotional stress such as anxiety, shock, traumatic childhood, sadness; disappointment, failure, humiliation, etc. often initiate the process of Lichen Planus. Intense stress is likely to trigger some immunological processes which lead to the development of Lichen Planus. The exact mechanism is not yet understood. Stress has been found to be an important trigger in many cases, but not all.

How Stress Triggers Lichen Planus

It may be noted that this information is derived from the study at our center and may not be found in the standard dermatological textbooks.

4. Genetic Causes for Lichen Planus

Hereditary tendency. We have observed Lichen Planus running in family. However, it is not a rule that if you have Lichen Planus, your children will necessarily have it. Also, it is not a rule that every patient having Lichen Planus must have their parents or relatives with the same disease. It is observed that there is some autoimmune disease such as Lichen Planus, eczema, cancer, psoriasis, etc. in the family, suggestive of a genetic link.

5. Lichen Planus and Hepatitis:

Some of the latest studies have shown a co-association of Lichen Planus with a rare variety of Hepatitis-C. It may be noted that the exact connection and causative link have not been established between the two entities. It may be noted that patients with Hepatitis C have some proneness to develop Lichen Planus; the reverse is not true.

6. Allergic component that leads to Lichen Planus

The studies have indicated the presence of certain cells, called HLA A-3 cell markers, suggesting immunological and allergic links. This requires being explored further.

Profile Picture

Written & Approved by-

Dr. Rajesh Shah

M.D. (Hom.)

Question to Dr. Shah's Team
About Dr. Rajesh Shah
Facts & Myths Homeopathy
Find help for your Disease
Over 2000 Case Studies
Dr. Rajesh Shah Research Work

Lichen Planus Case Studies

A 46-year-old male patient from the USA, Dr. R. P. (PIN: 26560) observed the development of a few skin eruptions, which were itchy and spreading. He visited a skin specialist; the biopsy of the same confirmed that he had Lichen planus. The skin specialist prescribed him a topical steroid.

.....Read more

A 48-year-old male patient, Mr. A.K. (PIN: 41650) visited Life Force and started homeopathic treatment for his complaint of her lichen planus in November 2019. 

He was suffering from a skin condition for 6 months. The lesions of lichen planus were present on his hands, legs, and sh.....Read more

Lichen planus (LP) is an idiopathic, cell-mediated immune disorder. It is a chronic systemic disease that commonly involves oral mucosa and skin lesions.  The clinical manifestations of LP have been described as the 6 Ps of Lichen planus, (Pruritic, purple, polygonal, planar, papules, and pl.....Read more

Other More Case Studies

Lichen Planus Testimonials

Other More Testimonials

Lichen Planus Case Photos

Results may vary from person to person

Other More Case Photos

Lichen Planus Videos

Results may vary from person to person

Causes of Lichen Planus explained by Dr Rajesh Shah, MD

Lichen planus and cortisone, some thoughts by Dr Rajesh Shah, MD(Hom)

Lichen Planus and its homeopathic treatment explained by Dr Rajesh Shah, MD

Other More Videos