Brief Answer:
treatment options for recurrent lichen

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Health Care Magic.
Thanks for writing.

I am Dr.Siddiq-ul-abidin. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, it is sad to know that you have been having trouble with this lately. The recurrence of lichen planus is quite common, and indeed is a troublesome in its own.

However, it is a self limiting condition, which means, when combined with treatment, response is even better.

The only bigger complication is related to the one, which occurs inside mouth, as it may be associated with malignant transformation, but conversion rate is lot lower.

Also that, the one you are suffering from is cutaneous lichen, which have good prognosis and less complication rate.

In my clinics, I usually recommend topical steroid cream or ointments, and they have shown to be of great benefits. In very rare conditions, patients needed more aggressive options, like use of retinoic acid derivatives ( vitamin A) or use of steroid sparring agents, like Mycophenolate but these are associated with aggressive side effects specially kidney toxicity, so I won't suggest you that, with this isolated lesion.

Other commonly available drug, is metronidazole which has shown some benefits, though data is not significant regarding its benefit over the treatment options, which you have already used.

Some patients get benefit with UV light treatment, but that is given to the patients if lichen is widespread all over the body.

The next step for you would be, visit your dermatologist, as he may start you on steroid ointment like hydrocortisone (low-potency) or betamethasone (high potency) straight up. You can ask for antihistamine along with it, for itching if any. Also oral metronidazole can be used along with this treatment.

Your dermatologist may want to have some tissue biopsy from the lesion, to look for exact type of lichen in your case, so that treatment can be aimed by keeping that in mind.


I hope this answered your question.If you have more queries I am happy to answer.Otherwise close the discussion and rate my response.

Regards.

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Brief Answer:
treatment options for lichen

Detailed Answer:
Well in my clinic, I usually prescribe 1% Hydrocortisone ointment in my patients, and have shown promising results.

Also that, it is seen to be more efficacious, when used concomitantly, with emollients, which are normally advisable specially after use of soap or other drying agents. For instance, 50-50 % solution of liquid paraffin and petroleum jelly can be used for the said purpose.

If itching is severe, oral Antihistamines or antiallergics can be used.

Regards. Kindly, rate before closing the discussion.

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Brief Answer:
genitals application

Detailed Answer:
The skin in genitals is thin, and has more absorption, so thin layer should be applied, however, no strict contradiction is advised for males. In females, where, there is a risk of direct exposure of mucosal surface present, cautious or no application is recommended. Also, wash your hands after applications.

Regards, waiting for your rating, before closure of discussion.

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Brief Answer:
Need for oral medicines in Lichen

Detailed Answer:
As long as, your lesion responds to topical steroids, you don't need to take other disease treating oral drugs like corticosteroids, retinoic acid derivatives or steroid sparing agents like calcineurin inhibitors.

Other oral medications, which we discussed earlier are for symptomatic relief. If itching is tolerable, you won't need anti allergic or anti histamines. Similarly as long as, pain or inflammation doesn't bother you, you can skip use of anti-inflammotary drugs either.

Regards.

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Brief Answer:
closing remarks

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Hoping you a speedy recovery. You can contact me directly via my profile in future. Keep me apprised. Kindly rate before closing the discussion. Regards.

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