The lichen planus is a condition which is causing swelling and irritation in the nails, hair, skin and mucous membranes. When the lichen planus is one the skin, then usually appears as purplish, itchy and flat bumps that develop over several weeks. When the lichen planus is happening on the mouth, vagina and other areas that are covered by a mucous membranes, then is forming lacy white patches which can be sometimes with painful sores. In the most cases, people have typical and mild cases of lichen planus, so it can be treated at home.
The most common symptoms of lichen planus are itching; nail damage or loss; purplish, flat bumps, most often on the inner forearm, writs or ankle, and sometimes the genitals; change in scalp color; hair loss; blisters that break to form scabs or crusts; painful sores in the mouth or vagina; lacy white patches in the mouth or on the lips or tongue. The lichen planus can be triggered by certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis; hepatitis C infection; flu vaccine; pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen; certain pigments, chemicals and metals. Every single person can get lichen planus, but most commonly it affects the middle – aged adults.
The oral lichen planus is most commonly affecting the middle – aged women. The lichen planus is not a dangerous condition and it usually goes away on its own. There are some cases when it can come back. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from lichen planus before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies, so in this way you can be sure that you will avoid side effects.
Home remedies for lichen planus
Contents
Tea tree oil
The health benefits of tea tree oil are well – known for all people. When you are treating the lichen planus on your scalp, then you can use this natural cure because it can provide you some relief. You can make a home remedy of tea tree oil with other ingredients. You should mix one tablespoon raw honey and two tablespoons apple cider vinegar. If the honey is firm, then you may need to heat it on the stove until melted. You should add four ounces of Aloe Vera gel and one tablespoon of coconut oil. You should blend it well. When this mixture is dissolved, then you can transfer it to a mixing bowl. You should add one teaspoon of Castile soap and three tablespoons of filtered or purified water. You should blend this mixture again. Then, you should add ten drops of tea tree essential oil and ten drops of rosemary essential oil.
You should blend well. You should put this home remedy into BPA (free plastic dispenser bottle), put the cap on tightly and shake it well. You should apply it on the wet hair and gently massage into the scalp. You should rinse well. The teat tree oil, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, Aloe Vera and coconut oil have antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Also, they work to give you a relief from the itching which is associated with the lichen planus. Also, you can use tea tree oil based mouthwash if you suffer from oral lichen planus. It can help you with the healing process, particularly with erosive and bullous types. Some people have reported side effects from the usage of this home remedy, such as greater pain and irritation of the mouth, so you should stop using it if you experience discomfort.
Manage stress
There are some studies in which are said that the stress can complicate the symptoms that are associated with lichen planus. You should do things that can ease stress, soothe your mind and your spirit. You can incorporate natural stress relievers, yoga and guided meditation in your daily routine. You will feel better when you use them. Limiting the stress in your life, can help you a lot in the managing of the symptoms of lichen planus.
Avoid injuries
You should be careful when you are sporting or doing some exercises because you can get injuries. Injuries can worsen your condition so you should be careful as much as you can.
Maintain good oral hygiene
If you suffer from oral lichen planus, then it is very important to maintain proper oral hygiene. You should avoid any foods which can irritate your mouth.
Sunshine
The conventional treatment known as photochemotherapy light treatment is effective in this treatment, but it can cause side effects. This is a reason why you should get the Vitamin D from the sunlight along with the Vitamin D supplements. When you are getting direct and unprotected sun exposure, then it can speed up the healing process of lichen planus and it will give you a relief from the symptoms of this condition. You should make a priority while you have lichen planus to spend at least fifteen minutes each day in the direct sunlight, without using sunscreen. The optimal exposure time is in the middle of the day. Whenever is possible, you should roll up your sleeves or pant legs and expose the affected area on sun during this period of the day.
Oats
There are many natural beauty treatments which are including oats due to its property of gentle exfoliator and skin soother. These lesions and blisters transform though the course of the lichen planus, so the sloughing off the dead skin can give you a relief from the itching and improve the appearance. You should mix one part of oats with one part of raw yogurt and you should let it stay there for twenty minutes. Then, mix it in a quarter part of raw honey. You should spread it liberally over the affected areas and let it stay there for ten to fifteen minutes. You should rinse it thoroughly with warm water and pat dry it.
Quit smoking
It is very important to quit smoking because it can increase the risk of lichen planus.
Folate
There are some studies in which are shown that 44% of people who were involved in one study and who suffer from oral lichen planus have folate deficiency. In this study was recommended to consume daily folate supplements. Also, it was noticed that this group has normal levels of Vitamin B12 in their bodies. There are some people who have more chances of getting folate deficiency, such as people who have liver disease, people who are on certain medications, such as diuretics and those who are used to treat diabetes. The liver disease, diuretics and diabetes medications can increase your risk of developing lichen planus. You should include foods rich in folate, such as beef liver, avocadoes, asparagus, beets, lentils, pinto beans and garbanzo beans.
Coconut oil
If you suffer from oral lichen planus, then the coconut pulling two times per day can help to improve the symptoms and give you a relief from the symptoms. This process can help to detoxify your mouth by literally sucking out of the toxins. It can boost the immune system, reduce the inflammation, soothe a dry mouth and kill bad breath. When the lichen planus is present on the skin, then you can apply coconut oil to the affected areas because it can help to minimize the pain, burning sensation and itching. You should apply this natural cure several times a day, or as desired.
Epsom salt baths
The Epsom salt bath is used for generations to give you a relief from the sore muscles and detox the body. It can help you to get a relief from the stress, reduce the pain and inflammation and eliminate toxins. You should prepare a warm bath and add two cups of Epsom salt, stir it around with your arm. You should soak at least thirty minutes to get the best results. Also, you can add some of your favorite essential oils to your Epsom salt bath, so this can provide you additional relief.
Limit alcohol consumption
It is known that the alcohol consumption can increase your risk of lichen planus, so you should avoid the usage of it.
Vitamin A
It is noticed that the conventional treatments can use the retinoid – based drugs to give you a relief from many of the symptoms. There are some studies in which are noticed that the Vitamin A can help to keep the skin and mucous membranes healthy. The lichen planus targets these two systems, so when you increase the intake of Vitamin A, can help you a lot. You should eat more Vitamin A rich foods during an outbreak. Some of the best sources of Vitamin A include winter squash, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, raw carrots and grass – fed cows. They can help in the treatment of the rash, but also they will support the immune system and fight against the inflammation, which are two important parts of the fight against the lichen planus.
References:
Lichen planus. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-planus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351378 . Published February 20, 2019
Lichen Planus. https://www.healthline.com/health/lichen-planus. Published April 4, 2018
Everything you need to know about lichen planus. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184866.php . Published December 20, 2017
