What causes lichen planus flare ups?

Lichen planus can be triggered by: Hepatitis C infection. Flu vaccine. Certain pigments, chemicals and metals.

How does lichen planus affect the body?

Lichen planus is a common disease that causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) on your skin or inside your mouth. On your skin, lichen planus causes a rash that is usually itchy. Inside your mouth, it may cause burning or soreness.

What can be mistaken for lichen planus?

However, lichen planus can be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as eczema, which also causes the skin to become red, flaky and itchy. If your doctor is unable to make a confident diagnosis by examining your skin, they may want to take a small skin sample (biopsy), which will be examined under a microscope.

Is fatigue a symptom of lichen planus?

Immune modulators – such as imiquimod and levamisole may be advised by a specialist if lichen planus is severe. These work with the body’s immune system to help fight damage to the skin. Skin irritation, headache, nausea and tiredness can be side-effects.

What foods should you avoid if you have lichen planus?

Foods to avoid for lichen sclerosis

• spinach, raw and cooked.
• canned pineapple.
• many boxed cereals.
• dried fruit.
• rhubarb.
• rice bran.
• bran flakes.
• soy flour.

Can you live a normal life with lichen planus?

Lichen planus may disappear spontaneously or following treatment, but lichen sclerosus rarely improves without proper treatment that should be continued indefinitely. Both are inflammatory skin conditions likely autoimmune in nature.

What vitamins help lichen planus?

Since 1971, Vitamin A acid (VAA) has been used for topical treatment of lichen planus (L.p.) at the 2nd Department of Dermatology in Vienna.

Is caffeine bad for lichen planus?

Stop eating foods and drinking beverages that can worsen lichen planus in the mouth. These include spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and foods made with tomatoes, snacks that are crispy and salty, and drinks that contain caffeine.

Does vitamin D Help lichen planus?

Lichen planus disease is a chronic inflammatory lesion without a known etiology. Recent studies have indicated the role of vitamin D on immune system and proposed its anti-inflammatory effects.

What does lichen sclerosus do to your body?

Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition characterized by white, blotchy patches of skin. Lichen sclerosus may affect skin on any part of your body, but most often involves the skin of the vulva, foreskin of the penis or skin in the anal area. People with mild lichen sclerosus may have no signs or symptoms.

How to treat lichen planus at the Mayo Clinic?

Lichen planus 1 Diagnosis. Your doctor makes a diagnosis of lichen planus based on your symptoms,… 2 Treatment. Lichen planus on the skin often clears up on its own in months to years. 3 Clinical trials. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments,… 4 Lifestyle and home remedies. Self-care measures can help reduce the itching…

What are signs of lichen planus on fingernails?

Nails: Lichen planus may appear on a few, or all, of your fingernails and toenails. Thinning, ridges, splitting, and nail loss are signs of the condition. Scalp: Redness, irritation, and tiny bumps can form on your scalp.

How does lichen planus affect men and women?

Lichen planus usually affects men and women in middle age. Equal numbers of men and women get lichen planus of the skin, but women are twice as likely to get oral (inside the mouth) lichen planus. The disease is rare in people who are very young or very old.