Lichen Amyloidosis

What is Lichen Amyloidosis?

Lichen Amyloidosis is a chronic intensely itchy skin rash caused by abnormal deposit of amyloids (proteins) in the skin. The lesions mostly appear in the lower leg, particularly over the shin; however, in few instances there can be lesions on thighs, lower limbs, forearms and back. It is more prominent in males than in females aging fifty to sixty years.

Causes

The exact etiological factor is not yet known for the development of lichen amyloidosis. However, genetic and environmental factors may be responsible for this skin condition. Excessive scratching and constant friction between the skin (Kobner’s phenomenon) is known to cause lichen amyloidosis in patients. These factors often damage the epidermis of the skin thereby exposing the next layer known as dermis. Extracellular protein deposits on the upper layer of the dermis known as papillary dermis causing papules and rashes.

Symptoms

Lichen amyloidosis is often associated with pruritus (severe itching) with hyperkeratotic hyper-pigmented rashes predominantly seen on the shin of lower leg.

Lesions consists of scaly papules (multiple raised spots), mostly red or brown in color, which can merge together to form plaques. The condition is usually accompanied with other skin conditions such as Lichen Planus, atopic dermatitis and fungal infections.

In few cases, there can be bleeding involved due to excessive scratching of the skin and lesions may be painful.

Diagnosis

Skin biopsy and histological investigation is usually suggested when suspected with lichen amyloidosis.

Treatment

The conventional treatment usually consists of corticosteroid creams, dermabrasion and in severe cases excision of individual lesion, however, recurrence is common. Antihistamines reduce the itching but prolonged use of such medicines are not recommended.

Scope of Homeopathy in Lichen Amyloidosis

Homeopathy has a good scope in treating Lichen amyloidosis. As the disease has a tendency to spread; the aim is to control further progress of the disease and pathology. Homeopathic medicines aim at healing the patient from within by boosting and correcting the immunity. Treating the underlying cause is equally important. Homeopathic medicines have power to control the inflammatory process thereby reducing itching, burning and any further spread of the lichen spots. Dependency or the need of conventional medicines can be reduced. One should opt for homeopathy at the earliest for a speedy recovery. Lichen amyloidosis is a chronic disease and takes its own time for recovery; hence a long-term treatment is usually suggested to patients.

Oral Lichen Planus: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Oral Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory, non-infectious disease that causes lesions on the buccal mucosa, tongue and/or gums. It affects approximately 1-2% of the general adult population. Although oral Lichen Planus predominantly occurs in adults older than 40 years, younger adults and children can also be affected. Lichen Planus may affect either skin or mouth or genitals or the nails; or in any combination of two or more. We have not come across many cases of children having oral Lichen Planus.
The role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of oral Lichen Planus is supported by many studies. It may be induced by certain drugs (mentioned below), contact allergens in dental materials or toothpastes, mechanical trauma, viral infection or some unidentified agents.

Causes of Oral Lichen Planus

Oral Lichen Planus may be caused by more than one cause. Some drugs often induce it. Stress is also a major trigger factor. Genetic factor is usually found in the back ground. Oral Lichen Planus is considered pre-cancerous. However, it is not so common for Oral Lichen Planus to turn cancerous. Click here to understand the causes in detail.
Some of the commonly known drugs inducing Lichen Planus are:-

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  2. Sulfonylureas
  3. Antimalarials
  4. Beta-blockers
  5. Certain angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus

  1. Generally, the onset of oral Lichen Planus is insidious and patients are unaware of its commencement. Usually the medical or dental practitioner identifies the clinical changes in the oral mucosa on routine examination.
  2. Common symptoms include sensation of roughness in the lining of the mouth, sensitivity to hot or spicy foods, soreness of oral mucosa and gums, red or white patches on the oral mucosa and gums, or oral ulcerations.
  3. The lesions of oral Lichen Planus are usually bilateral.
  4. Oral Lichen Planus lesions may be associated with patchy brown melanin (pigment) deposits in the oral mucosa.

Treatment for Oral Lichen Planus

We have worked on Lichen Planus for over two decades, and have been able to treat most cases with success using homeopathy, which is individualized, effective and very safe.

Lichen Planus of Nails: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Lichen planus can affect nails in about 10 percent of the cases. Nail involvement in LP in isolation is uncommon and has always been associated with typical skin lesions. Rarely nail lichen planus may occur in the absence of skin, oral or genital lesions. The majority of nails changes results from damage to the nail matrix, or nail root. Nail changes can occur with or without skin involvement. The nails when affected tend to become deformed. Commonly only two or three fingernails or toenails are involved. Occasionally all the nails could be affected.

Signs of Nail Lichen Planus

Nail changes associated with Lichen Planus includes:

  1. Longitudinal ridging and grooving,
  2. Pitting,
  3. Nail thinning,
  4. Nail becomes fragile and nail loss,
  5. Brown discoloration,
  6. Depressions of the nail plate,
  7. Inflammation of the proximal nail folds which becomes erythmatous.
  8. The skin of the fingertips shows a honeycomb appearance due to multiple, small, punctuate and hyperkeratotic depressions.

Symptoms of Nail Lichen Planus

  1. There may be no symptoms at all
  2. Itching
  3. Stinging sensation
  4. Burning and pain in the fingertips

Differential Diagnosis

  1. Punctuate keratoderma
  2. Allergic contact dermatitis
  3. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
  4. Onychomycosis or fungus of nails
  5. Lichen nitidus,
  6. Twenty-nail dystrophy
  7. Secondary syphilis

Variants of Lichen Planus

  1. Lichen Planus Hypertrophicus: It looks like a keloid or hypertrophied scar, often found on the ankles.
  2. Lichen Planus Actinus:
  3. Lichen Nitidus: Observed along with regular eruptions of LP, more on the light-exposed body parts.
  4. Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophics: A rare condition affecting the vulva, male genitals. With tremendous itching, there is atrophy and scaring of the affected organ.
  5. Lichen Planus Linearis: More closely aggregated eruptions, extending along the entire limb, seen in children.
  6. Lichen Planus Annularis: Often affecting the genitals and scrotum.
  7. Lichen Planus Follicularis (Lichen Planopilaris): Observed in the hair bearing areas such as scalp, pubic region.
  8. Lichen Planus Atrophicus:
    • Bullous Lichen Planus.
    • Bullous eruption and vesicles

Lichen Planus Pigmentosa

As the name suggests, there is a kind of hyper-pigmentation which is grayish in color. Seen more in females in the western countries.
Normal any part of the body may get affected. However, it has a tendency to involve the skin of the lower limbs, legs and the mucous membrane of the mouth. The flexors of the legs, inner thighs, front of the wrists, and skin on the lower back are affected in many cases.
It has an affinity for the genitals are involved. In males, the glans; while in females the vagina and vulva may be affected.

One of the uncommon areas of affliction with Lichen Planus is eyelids.

The nails when affected tend to become deformed. In short, Lichen Planus affecting the skin, mouth (Oral Lichen Planus) and vaginal LP are some of the most common variants. When the oral mucosa or the genitals are affected, this condition is often neglected, reported late or incorrectly diagnosed.

Diagnosis of Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus can be diagnosed clinically by experienced eyes. Lesions on the skin have typical look as described elsewhere on this pages, and their location such as legs, back, mouth, scalp, genitals, nails, or elsewhere (more or less in this order) is important for diagnosis. The typical skin lesions of Lichen Planus are grayish, slivery, pinkish eruptions about 1mm to 4 mm in size; oval or round or irregular in shape, scaly and itchy in nature.

Sometimes the Lichen Planus eruptions, especially in early states, may resemble to some other diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, candidiasis (in mouth), leukoplakia (mouth), apthous ulcers (mouth).

In case of doubt, or to confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy would help. Biopsy is more often indicated in cases of oral and scalp Lichen Planus. Also, Lichen Planus of nails alone could resemble psoriatic nails or fungus infection of nails. Clinically trained eyes can differentiate in most cases.

Lichen Planus on the scalp may show some scarring by the time patient approaches for treatment. At times, you need to do a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis for scalp Lichen Planus. There may be associated patches of hair loss called alopecia areata.

Skin, Mouth, Nails, Scalp, Genitals

Lichen Planus largely affects skin. It may also affect mouth (oral Lichen Planus), the scalp, nails, or the genitals. It could of more of the said body parts. Is is not a rule that every patient with Lichen Planus will have all the said areas affected. In males it could affect the glans of penis and in females the vulva or vagina. It can be said that more areas affected, more difficult to treat. Also, experience says that the oral or genital Lichen Planus is more difficult to treat as compared to that on the skin.

Under the Microscope

It is of less importance to the patients to know how Lichen Planus tissues look when seen under the microscope.

Lichen planus skin under microscope At times, one also observes the Lichen Planus eruptions appearing along the line of a scratch mark, called as Koebner’s phenomenon. It has an affinity for the genitals are involved. In males, the glans ; while in females the vulva may be affected.

The nails when affected tend to become deformed. In short, Lichen Planus affecting the skin, mouth (Oral Lichen Planus) and vaginal LP are some of the most common variants. When the oral mucosa or the genitals are affected, this condition is often neglected, reported late or incorrectly diagnosed. Lichen Planus affecting the food pipe (esophagus) is not a commonly encountered condition. However, some cases have been reported at some institutes.

All variants of Lichen Planus respond very well to homeopathic treatment. It can be said with confidence that Lichen Planus is curable using homeopathy. Homeopathy offers excellent results in Lichen Planus of the skin, mouth and genitals; in this order.

Homeopathy Treatment for Lichen Planus

Though Lichen planus appears on skin, mouth, genitals, nails or scalp; its roots are found in the immune system, which is governed by some genetic factors. It means, the treatment for Lichen planus has to be aimed by correcting or improving the immune system. If this is done, the disease would be treated or cured for a long time. If the treatment is done superficially by applying cortisone or such immunosuppressive medicine, the disease will get elevated superficially only to re-surface as soon as the effect of the medicine would be over.

Homeopathy offers research proven and highly effective treatment for Lichen Planus which has been scientifically documented. Contrary to the conventional treatment, which is governed by the use of cortisone, homeopathic treatment is amazingly curative, safe and longer lasting. We have researched on Planus for over two decades.

The Homeopathy Treatment

The homeopathic treatment for Lichen Planus is based on the individual case study of the patient’s disease, its cause, its spread, the area affected, the genetic tendency, mindset, etc. The treatment plans thus designed is addressed towards correcting the immune system, in turn treating Lichen Planus from within.

The duration of treatment

The total length of treatment varies form case to case, depending of the following factors:

  • Duration of Lichen Planus.
  • Areas affected (Skin, mouth, genitals, nails, scalp).
  • Extent of spread (Only skin or only mouth or skin with mouth, combination of parts, etc.).
  • Previous medication (Extensive use o oral cortisone may delay the course of treatment).
  • General health and associated diseases.

One may expect a definite change in about three to five months, depending on the extent. The total length of medication may be anything between six months to two years or longer.

Why Homeopathy for Lichen Planus?

The major benefits of homeopathy could be summarized as under:

  • It offers excellent treatment which has a success rate of over 85%.
  • It offers immuno-correction hence gives deep-level healing
  • It offers long-lasting cure instead of temporary.
  • It is absolutely harmless, safe and free from any toxic effect.

Is the Treatment (and its Duration) Different if Lichen Planus Affects Skin, Mouth, Genitals?

Well, the scope of improvement and the time required for the treatment of Lichen Planus also depend on its location. Experience shows that LP on skin is relatively easy to treat, as compared to one in the mouth or genitals. Similarly, it would take longer it is multi-location. The medicines are relatively different for skin LP or one in the mouth, genitals, scalp or nails.

Other Treatment Options for Lichen Planus:

  • Corticosteroid creams
  • Corticosteroid tablets
  • Immune suppresive medicines
  • Photo Therapy
  • Antihistamines
  • Lichen Planus Curability Test

What are the Sources of Homeopathic Medicines?
The homeopathic medicines are prepared from a wide range of natural sources. Over 5% of the medicines origin largely from the vegetable kingdom, i.e. flowers, roots, leaves and the juice.

Certain chemicals and minerals are also used to prepare certain medicines. For instance, sulfuric acid, nitric acid. Most of the minerals and metals are used as a source of medicine, such as gold, silver, zinc, tin, iron and so on. Some microbes, bacteria, virus are also used to prepare a special group of medicines (called Nosode), for instance, influenza virus, certain bacteria, etc. Some body secretion such as the hormones (thyroid hormone, for instance) also find place in the wide source-place. The animal kingdom has a special place in the Homeopathy pharmacy and Homeopathy medicines are prepared from the animal sources almost in a onviolent technique.

How are the Homeopathic Medicines Prepared?

The revolutionary method of drug preparation in Homeopathy, called as Potentization, utilizes a very minute quantity of the original drug substance. A very small portion of any substance, say a drop of Thuja herbal extract, as one part, is mixed with 99 parts of alcohol or distilled water. Some powerful strokes are given to this mixture of about 100 drops/ml. It makes 1c potency. (Potency is the unit indicating the strength of medicine.) Now, out of these 100 drops, one drop is taken and mixed with 99 drops of alcohol, again to undergo the process of vigorous strokes, making the potency 2c. The process is continued higher level up to 30c, 200c, 1000c, 10000c, 50000c, and 100000c.
No material, only the medicinal power…
As you can realize, there is infinitesimal original drug substance in the higher potency medicines. Actually it crosses the Avogadro’s limit. There is no detectable material in the potency higher than 24. What is left behind is the power or energy of the medicine. One may call it dynamic power, which is capable to induce definite changes in the body system to bring about the healing process.

Absolutely safe and non-toxic

As you can see that the special method of homeopathic medicines render them absolute free from any toxic substance in it. The medicines thus are absolutely safe and free from any side effects. They are safe for even babies and pregnant women.

Lichen Planopilaris: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Lichen Planopilaris?

Lichen Planopilaris is also known as follicular Lichen Planus or Lichen Planus follicularis. It is a variant of Lichen Planus (LP) of the scalp which leads to scarred alopecia followed by permanent hair loss on the scalp. It is an autoimmune disorder.

(Hair follicle is a small tubular cavity containing the root of a hair; small muscles and sebaceous glands are associated with them)

Pathology

The histological hallmark of Lichen Planopilaris is a chronic per follicular and interface dermatitis that affects the hair follicle infundibulum (the segment that extends from the entrance of the sebaceous gland duct to the follicular orifice) and isthmus (the short segment that extends from the insertion of the erector pili muscle to the entrance of the sebaceous gland duct). This leads to destruction of basal keratinocytes in the hair follicle.

Symptoms of Lichen Planopilaris

Lichen Planopilaris mainly affects middle aged people, more common in men. This type of LP exhibits primarily as skin flaking, hair loss and pruritis (severe itching). It is manifested by tiny red spiny papules around a cluster of hairs. Sometimes even blistering occurs in the lesions. In some cases, no follicular scaling or inflammation is present but bald areas of scarring slowly appear. It can be multi-focal or central alopecia patches with follicular hyperkeratosis or hardening and erythema or redness at the hair-bearing margin.

Diagnosis

Lichen planopilaris on scalp Convincing cases of Lichen Planopilaris include a combination of typical Lichen Planus lesions and scarring alopecia. Those cases presenting only as scarring alopecia of scalp require histological co-relation (i.e. biopsy) for exact diagnosis.
Research say’s that up to 40% of scarred alopecia is due to Lichen Planopilaris.

Conventional Treatment

In conventional therapy the treatment generally comprises of short tapered courses of prednisone in combination therapy with retinoids or anti-malarial drugs. Other options include psoralen-UV-A, systemic and topical steroids, etc but its efficacy for the treatment is not proved.

Scope of Homeopathy

Lichen Planopilaris should be treated as quickly as possible to avoid permanent hair loss. Treatment is case- dependant, as severity of symptoms, extent of the lesions and response to treatment vary from individual to individual. If not treated in early stages, it may lead to permanent loss of hair and in such cases homeopathy is helpful to stop the further progress of the disease.

Homeopathy is strongly recommended in the initial stages of Lichen Planopilaris wherein we can help to control the further progress of the disease. It is not possible to grow hair on the scalp which has scarred skin. Good control of further deterioration is also considered as significant treatment using homeopathy.

Lichen Nitidus

Lichen nitidus is a rare, chronic skin eruption that is characterized by round skin-colored papules, which are flattened on top. The papules are about 1-3 mm in diameter. They are described as micro-papules. Papules mean small solid bumps rising from the skin that are usually less than 10 mm in diameter. They do not contain any fluid. However, they are caused by an underlying inflammatory condition. The exact cause remains unknown.

  • The lesions can be localized on the hands, legs, chest, abdomen or back.
  • They can be mild moderate or severe, stable or spreading.
  • They may cause dryness, roughness of the skin and lead to itching and irritation. The symptoms may increase in summer, humidity and in situations of stress.
  • They may be unpleasant in appearance.
  • An experienced physician can easily diagnose it clinically. However, a biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
  • It is conventionally treated with moisturizers and local cortisone. However, in extensive cases, oral steroids or a (second generation) retinoid like acitretin is prescribed.
  • It is not directly related to lichen planus.It can be confused with lichen planus. Some times dermatologists term it as “mini lichen planus”.

Homeopathy is very effective in the treatment of Lichen nitidus. The medicines help to reduce itching and help to stop the spread, and reduce eruptions dramatically. The disease can be controlled very well with homeopathy.

Just call or WhatsApp at +91 8264408264 and make an appointment to get homeopathic treatment for Lichen Amyloidosis with Dr. Vikas Singhal. At Dr. Singhal Homeo, you can get an online video consultation in India, as well as in Lithuania, France, Spain, Italy, Macau, Thailand, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Austria, Canada, and Singapore.