HomeAnswersDermatologylichen planusPlease suggest treatment for lichen planus.

How long will it take to get cured of lichen planus?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 13, 2015
Reviewed AtJune 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am suffering from acute eruptive lichen planus. I consulted a doctor and had some medicines. But still the marks are there and itching too. I am applying Lobate cream. Even now I can see new eruptions especially in my legs which are red in color and itchy. Please suggest some good medicine.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Lichen planus is a chronic and self-limiting disease. It has been seen that skin lesions subside within 9-12 months in about 50 percent of the cases. Since you are still developing fresh lesions you will have to take a course of tablet Prednisolone 20 mg daily for 6 weeks which can be reduced gradually. You seem to have severe itching which is not responding much to Levocetirizine. I would recommend you take the tablet Hydroxyzine 25 mg twice daily till the itch subsides. Along with this apply Clobetasol propionate on the itchy areas. But if a large surface area is involved, dilute it in a moisturizing lotion in a ratio of 1:4. This will surely help you.

The Probable causes

1. Immune dysfunction. 2. Genetic causes. 3. Dental amalgam. 4. Stress. 5. Anxiety. 6. Depression.

Differential diagnosis

Lichenoid drug eruption.

Probable diagnosis

Lichen planus.

Preventive measures

Reduce stress and anxiety.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I had the medicines you suggested and I am applying the cream till date. But, there is no difference. It is still the same. The other which are cured still have some marks. Please suggest something effective to cure the marks. I am sending you the current image. Please check. Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed the attached photographs (attachment removed to protect patient identity). In the first two pictures, I can see dark-colored pigmented areas. While in the third one, I can appreciate a thick hyperpigmented plaque. I had already told you that pigmentation will take up to one year to resolve in 50 percent of the individuals and a little longer in the rest of the individuals.

  1. For only pigmented areas, apply Melalite-XL cream (a combination of Tretinoin, Hydroquinone, and Mometasone) at bedtime.
  2. Continue this for five to six weeks and revert. You will notice a lightening of the pigmentation.
  3. For the thick lesions go for intralesional Triamcinolone acetonide injections 40 mg/mL every three weeks. Three to four injections will be required to resolve it.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney
Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney

Dermatology

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