Lichen Planus

In this article, I will tell you how Chinese medicine treats lichen planus and share my personal experience in treating this condition. 

Purplish, flat bumps: These can be itchy and may develop anywhere but are often found on the inner arms, wrists, or ankles, as well as genitals. Itching can occur at the site of skin lesions.  

Mouth or tongue: These lesions might appear as white spots or lines, and may be associated with a burning sensation, pain, or tenderness.

Hair and scalp: Lichen planus of the scalp is called Lichen Planopilaris (LPP). This condition leads to redness, irritation, and permanent hair loss. 

Nails: Nails can become thin and ridged, and severe cases may lead to loss of the nail entirely.
Genital lichen planus can occur in both men and women. This may result in redness and irritation, white, lacy patches, and painful shallow ulcers on the genitals.

This diagnostic process helps determine the specific disharmonies and patterns of disease. So two people with lichen planus might have different imbalances in Chinese medicine and therefore get different herbal formulas.

For example, purple lesions with white lines show heat with wind.  If the lesions are thicker and the itch is intense, it may also have toxic heat. For genital lesions, the imbalance may be rooted in dampness or a deficiency of Qi, the body’s energy. If the condition is not as active with itch but the lesions have been present for a long period of time, yin deficiency may be a contributing factor.  Additionally, qi and blood stagnation may be a factor in long-term illness.

Chinese Medicine Therapies

Chinese Herbal Medicine offers personalized treatments for lichen planus, which are customized according to each person’s imbalances. The treatment aims to correct the identified imbalances by using herbal medicine that specifically addresses those imbalances.  

The herbs for heat aim to cool the blood and reduce toxicity. Herbs for dampness help to resolve dampness.  Some herbs will moisten the skin and nourish Yin, or restore the smooth flow of Qi and blood. 

Chinese herbal medicine can be a powerful treatment but it does take time. The usual treatment course is 3-6 months.

The herbs will be chosen to match your specific imbalance. For example, if your lichen planus is caused by blood heat, your formula may include Rehmannia (Di Huang), which cools the blood and nourishes Yin as well as Cortext Moutan (Mu Dan Pi), which clears heat and moves the blood. But if it is from damp heat or toxic heat, it may include Gentania (Long Dan Cao) which clears damp heat, and Bupleurum (Chai Hu), which soothes Liver Qi stagnation. 

The precise combination of herbs is tailored to your unique symptoms and imbalances. The herbal formula will be adjusted over time, reflecting changes in your condition and the stages of the treatment course. 

Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to be effective for the treatment of oral Lichen Planus in a recent clinical trial. The study also examined why the herbal medicine was effective. It concluded that herbs work by reducing the inflammatory response, primarily reducing pro-inflammatory chemicals such as TNF-Alpha.

Topical Herbal Medicines

Topical applications can directly target skin lesions, providing relief from symptoms such as itching and inflammation.

The herbs may be used to make creams, ointments, or washes to reduce inflammation, reduce itch, and help the skin heal. These are particularly effective for lichen planus of the genitals.  

While topical herbs are safe, it’s important to test a small amount first to ensure there is no adverse skin reaction.

Conclusion

Lichen planus is a complex condition with a multifactorial etiology and may affect the skin, nails, mouth, genitals, and hair. Chinese Herbal Medicine works by identifying and addressing these underlying imbalances. Through the personalized diagnosis and customized treatment I will use a combination of herbal teas, topical herbal applications, and acupuncture to correct the underlying imbalance. Herbal medicine has also been shown to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. To schedule your appointment please call us at 212-319-5757 or schedule your appointment online.