LICHEN PLANUS AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION

Lichen planus is a skin condition which is characterized by inflammation, swelling and irritation of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes of the body. It is triggered by the immune response of the body. However, there are other reasons also such as allergens, stress, genetics, etc. The skin appears purplish red with flat bumps over it. There occurs itching and irritation and the patches develop over weeks. The condition occurs on the mucous membranes of mouth and vagina. Lichen planus doesn’t spread from one person to another. When the condition is mild, it can be managed by self-care measures. However, there are certain oral and topical medications which help in management of lichen planus.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LICHEN PLANUS?

The exact reason for the occurrence of lichen planus is not known but it is believed to be due to an abnormality of the immune system. Normally, the immune system helps in protection of the body against invasion of the foreign micro-organisms. But in lichen planus, the cells of immune system start attacking the body’s own cells and causes damage to the body. The various factors by which lichen planus is caused are:

• Infection of hepatitis C
• Having a genetic predisposition to lichen planus
• Flu vaccine
• Herpes zoster
• Certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), beta-blockers, arthritis medicines
• Exposure to certain chemicals, metals and pigments
• Emotional or physical stress

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LICHEN PLANUS?

The common signs and symptoms of lichen planus are:

• Intense itching
• Presence of purplish red bumps on skin
• Painful sores in mouth and vagina
• Skin rashes present on forearm, ankle, genitals and wrist
• Blisters breakdown to form crusts or scabs
• Loss of hair
• Nail damage
• Loss of nails
• Lacy white patches in mouth, tongue or lips
• Dryness in mouth

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS WHICH ARISE WITH LICHEN PLANUS?

Lichen planus is associated with some of the following complications:

• Discoloration of the affected skin
• Scarring of vulva or vagina
• Severe pain during sexual intercourse
• Other skin infections
• Increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma
• Presence of sores in mouth
• Oral cancer
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of hearing if lichen planus occurs in ear canal

HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF LICHEN PLANUS IS MADE?

The doctor will ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease. He will do a physical examination of the patient and ask about the family history. He will make the patient do some of the tests to evaluate the disease. The tests recommended are:

• Allergy tests
• Biopsy
• Hepatitis C test

AYURVEDIC VIEWPOINT OF LICHEN PLANUS

Lichen planus comes under the category of Charmakushtha. It is a type of skin disorder which occurs because of the aggravation of vata and kapha doshas. The skin becomes thick like as of an elephant. With some of the dietary and lifestyle modifications, lichen planus can be managed.

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LICHEN PLANUS

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved Center which are used for the treatment of lichen planus:

1. Detox Premium Powder

This is a herbo-mineral preparation that contains ingredients like Parwal Pishti, Giloy satv, Shukta Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, Gandhak Rasayan, etc.

Parwal Pishti: This Pishti reduces inflammation, flaking, itching of the skin. The Pishti is composed of natural coral calcium processed with rose water.

Shukta Pishti: It helps to balance the Pitta dosha in the body. All signs and symptoms related to Psoriasis patients are managed with this article.

Giloy Satv: This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of this herb deal with psoriasis easily.

Kamdudha Ras: This herbal-mineral classical preparation balances Pitta dosha in the body.

Gandhak Rasayana: This herbal preparation is used since ancient times for all types of skin disorders.

Tal Sindoor: It contains ingredients like Shuddh parad, Aloe vera, Gandhak, etc that relieve redness in psoriasis patients.

Akik Pishti: This Pishti reduces all types of Pitta related disorder hence it gives good results in psoriasis.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with plain water.

2. Blood Purifier Syrup

It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

3. Twak Tailam

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.

Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.

4. Skin care tablet

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is an ayurvedic preparation mainly used for skin diseases. This tablet contains pure herbal ingredients such as Nimba(Azadirachta indica), Patola(Cucumis acutangulus), Guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa(Adhatoda vasica), etc. This tablet promotes detoxification and rejuvenation. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu tablet is a natural source of anti – oxidant. It promotes engender vibrant and healthy skin.

Recommended Dosage–Take 1 tablets twice a day with normal water.

6. Panchsakar Churna

Panchsakar Churna is an ayurvedic formulation that consists of five ingredients named as – Saindhav Lavana (Rock Salt), Swarnapatri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), Shunti – (Zingiber officinale), Balaharitaki  (Unripe fruits of Terminalia chebula). Panchsakar Churna is naturally detoxifying, thus it removes the toxins from the body. It relieves inflammation and useful in all types of skin problems.The powder has an anti – inflammatory properties due to which it can reduces the swelling.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful with lukewarm water at bedtime.

7. Neem soap

Neem soap is natural and herbal handmade soap prepared from the standard extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem herb is widely used to cure acute to chronic Skin problems such as Pimples, Itching, Dryness, Blemishes, Dark spots, Pigmentation, Scars etc. It is such a wonderful herb that is easily available and shows Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial, Antifungal, Antiseptic properties. Neem cleanses the pores and protects the skin from various infections, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leprosy, Skin ulcers. It restores the health of damaged skin, tones skin complexion, prevents premature ageing, Wrinkles, Fine lines can protect against UV rays, and acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.

Method of Application: Neem Soap can be regularly used on face and body, as a bath soap.

8. Trikatu Tablet

Trikatu Tablet helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps totake out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This tablet is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.