How do you treat lichen planus hair ?
LICHEN PLANOPILARIS :
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a condition that causes inflammation in your scalp and hair follicles . It often causes scarring and patches of permanent hair loss, usually on your head. LPP happens most often in women and people assigned female at birth who are 40 to 60 years of age. But it can also affect adults of any sex or age. Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a condition that causes scarring and patches of hair loss, usually on your scalp. It may also cause scalp pain, itching or burning. Medications or laser therapy can help control symptoms, but early treatment is key.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LICHEN PLANOPILARIS ?
LPP is a form of lichen planus, a condition that causes an itchy rash on your arms and legs and in your mouth. Lichen planus can also cause ridges or splitting of your nails. Nearly half of people with LPP also develop symptoms of lichen planus. Lichen planopilaris symptoms may come on quickly or gradually. If you have LPP, you might notice:
- Bald patches on your scalp.
- Red, thick or scaly patches of skin on your scalp.
- Scalp pain, itching or burning
Because T-cells are involved, many experts believe LPP is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues or organs.
Lichen planus develops when your body attacks your skin or mucous membrane cells by mistake. Doctors aren’t sure why this happens, but there’s evidence genes and environmental factors may play a role.
Genetics
Research published in 2021 says certain factors point to genetic susceptibility. This means your genes may make it more likely for you to develop lichen planus.
Specifically, lichen planus can run in families and certain immune system cells are linked to the condition.
Viral infection
Lichen planus may also be triggered by a viral infection. A large 2021 study found there’s a link between hepatitis C infection and chronic inflammatory skin disease, including lichen planus. Other viruses, such as certain types of herpes viruses, may also cause lichen planus.
Environmental factors
Certain environmental factors may also cause the condition, including metal dental fillings and some medications.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LICHEN PLANUS ?
Some of the most common symptoms of lichen planus include:
- purplish-colored lesions or bumps with flat tops on your skin or genitals
- lesions that develop and spread over the body for several weeks or a few months
- itching at the site of the rash, which commonly appears on the wrists, lower back, and ankles
- lacy-white lesions in the mouth, which may be painful or cause a burning sensation
- blisters, which burst and become scabby
- thin white lines over the rash
- purplish-colored lesions or bumps with flat tops on your skin or genitals
- lesions that develop and spread over the body for several weeks or a few months
- itching at the site of the rash, which commonly appears on the wrists, lower back, and ankles
- lacy-white lesions in the mouth, which may be painful or cause a burning sensation
- blisters, which burst and become scabby
- thin white lines over the rash
Besides the skin, mouth, or genitals, lesions can occur in other areas. These may include:
- mucous membranes (such as the esophagus)
- nails
- the scalp
But lesions in these areas are less common.
HOW TO DIAGNOIS LICHEN PLANUS ?
a rash on your skin, or lesions in your mouth or on your genitals, you should talk with a doctor as soon as possible.
Your primary care doctor may send you to a dermatologist if a diagnosis of lichen planus is not obvious, or if your symptoms are making you very uncomfortable.
Your primary care doctor or dermatologist may be able to tell that you have lichen planus simply by looking at your rash. However, a rash from other conditions can look like lichen planus. To confirm the diagnosis, you may need further tests.
Testing
Tests can include:
- a biopsy, which means taking a small sample of your skin cells to view under a microscope
- an allergy test, to find out if you’re having an allergic reaction
- liver function tests, including a test for hepatitis C
Mild cases of lichen planus, you may not need any treatment. If the symptoms are uncomfortable or severe, your doctor may prescribe medication, or you may be able to find symptom relief with home treatments.
Is there a cure for lichen planus?
There’s no cure for lichen planus, but medications that treat the symptoms can be helpful, and some may even be able to target a possible underlying cause. Medications often prescribed include:
- retinoids, which are related to vitamin A and are taken topically or orally
- corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and can be topical, oral, or given as an injection
- antihistamines, which reduce intense itching
- nonsteroidal creams, which are applied topically and can suppress your immune system and help clear up the rash
- light therapy, which treats lichen planus with ultraviolet light
Home treatments
There are a few things you can try at home to complement your prescription treatments. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends these methods for skin lichen planus:
- soak in an oatmeal bath
- avoid scratching
- apply cool compresses to a rash
- use OTC anti-itch creams
You might want to try different home treatments and self-care strategies for lichen planus on other parts of the body as well:
Oral lichen planus
- avoid eating acidic, spicy, or sharp foods
- avoid alcohol and mouthwash that contains alcohol
- use a prescribed lidocaine solution (that’s swished in the mouth) for pain relief
- eat soft foods if your mouth is sore
- keep up with regular dental visits
Genital lichen planus
- avoid soap and wash with plain water
- use a skin softener, such as petroleum jelly before and after urination
- apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to soothe itching and swelling
- avoid tight clothing
Talk with your doctor before adding OTC products to your treatment plan. This way you’ll be certain that nothing you might take will interact with the prescription medications you’re taking.



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