11 Proven Home Remedies To Treat Lichen Planus Naturally

If you have red, purplish, itchy, flat-topped bumps on your skin then you are probably suffering from lichen planus. This skin ailment is triggered by malfunction of immune which is also called as autoimmune disease. Some common allergens which trigger lichen planus are virus, irritants such as mist and infected mud, stress and allergens. The common area where this skin disease causes flat topped bumps are genital area, nails, scalp, mouth, and tongue. Fortunately there are effective home remedies for lichen planus. Such natural cures increases the healing speed.

You can count this skin ailment as rashes which are itchy by nature. Sometimes they are painful and also cause acute irritation. They may flair up due to heat and scratching.
In the area of genitals, these flat-topped rash appear near vagina and on the penis. These rashes on genital area makes it hard to walk and causes too much of discomfort.

Most people can manage treating lichen planus at home without medical care. If these lesions causes pain and severe itching then you might need a doctor for best treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Lichen Planus

These symptoms can appear during early stage of lichen planus. In less than 5 days of triggering you can experience certain symptoms(1).

• Flat-topped rash on wrist, legs, mouth and on genitals.
• Purplish colored rash.
• Fluid filled blister of white-bluish color.
• Mild to acute itching.
• Shooting pain or sometimes painless.
• Burning sensation in mouth around blister.
• Web like structure formed by white line rash.
• Flat-topped hard rash on vagina and penis.
• Vaginal itching and burning.
• Blisters that may break to form scabs or crusts.
• White discharge from vagina.
• White patches in the mouth.
• Damaged nails.
• Painful vaginal ulcer.
• Painful scalp with flat rash.
• Unpleasant smell coming out from the lesion.
• Inflamed penis.
• Rough, flat-topped rash on shaft of penis.
• Hair loss and scalp discoloration.
• Itching blister on nails and infecting area under the nails.
• Frequent pain while having sex.
• Irritating oral ulcer.

These signs of lichen planus can help you identify them, so you can start using natural remedies to treat flat-topped rashes. You may want to consult a dermatologist or get diagnosed by a doctor to know more and to find conventional treatment for lichen planus. These remedies are natural and some of them are easily available house hold products.

Natural Treatments for Lichen Planus

1. Aloe Vera

If you are looking for a way to get rid of lichen planus naturally then aloe vera can help. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera help reduce inflammation of skin caused by rashes and lesions(2).
When you suffer from lesion bumps in mouth then it is hard to find something effective. Aloe vera is an excellent home remedy for oral lichen planus. It help cure infection and prevent ulceration. Aloe vera soothe the skin and help alleviate pain and irritation caused by infection.
The antiviral and antibacterial properties of aleo vera help cure erosive lichen planus(3). It prevent the flaking of skin and help reduce irritation. People uses cold gel obtained from aloe vera leaf to control the itch caused by flat-topped rashes. People also uses this herbal medicine to cure shingles and warts.
How to treat lichen planus with aloe vera:

• Take one aloe vera leaf.
• Submerge the leaf in a bowl of very cold water for 10 minutes.
• Cut it open and scoop out cold gel.
• Apply this gel on affected area.
• Keep it on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse with water and pat dry.
• Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cold aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of turmeric poweder.
• Apply a thin layer of this homemade herbal cream on lichen planus rashes.
• Keep it on for 30 minutes.
• Use this remedy 2 times in 1 day.

2. Turmeric Treatment for Lichen Planus

Turmeric is one of the oldest spice found by human civilization. It became more popular in second millennium when people found its wound healing abilities. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin. This very active compound gives the turmeric its yellow color and have immense medicinal benefits.
According to one specific study done on turmeric for treating lichen planus naturally, found that curcumin has immune boosting properties. Same study also found that turmeric is potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. It is natural painkiller and works great on skin ailments like rashes, warts, cold sores, lesions and on erosive lichen planus.
A pilot study was performed on 10 confirmed oral lichen planus patient(4). The study was conducted at Oral and Mxillofacial surgery department. They instructed patient to use turmeric extract as ointment on rash and lesions for 3 months. After regular check up of 15 days they found that it significantly helped patients in curing lichen planus at clinical trials.
How to use:

• Take one tablespoon of medical grade petroleum gelly.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder or turmeric extract.
• Apply this ointment directly on purplish rash.
• Put a bandage on this and keep it for 1 hour.
• Remove the bandage and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Use this remedy 2 times in a day.
• You can also put paste of turmeric powder on affected skin area.
• Cover it with bandage and keep it overnight.
• Wash it off in the morning with lukewarm water.

3. Tea Tree Essential Oil for Lichen Planus

Tea tree oil has been in use from centuries to cure lesions and skin ailments. It have been a major ingredient of herbal medicine for dermatitis. It stings and burns but definitely cure the infection. If your flat-topped purplish rash is smelling bad then you might got an infected lichen planus.
Tea tree oil is highly beneficial on skin conditions which is infected. It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties(5,6,7). Thanks to its all medicinal properties, tea tree essential oil is an effective home remedy for lichen planus.
It help reduce inflammation of lesions and drain out fluids. People use tea tree oil as ointment for lichen planus to control itching and pain. Its topical application also help with foul smell coming out from these white striae on skin.
How to use:

• Rinse the affected area with lukewarm water.
• Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil.
• Put it on infected skin area.
• Apply a bandage on the cotton ball.
• Keep it for 30 minutes.
• If you have sensitive skin then mix 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of water.
• Soak the cotton ball in this solution.
• Use this home treatment 3 times in 1 day.

4. Natural Photochemotherapy

Photochemotherapy is a light treatment which is effective in treating lichen planus at home. You don’t have to buy any kind of machine or medical equipment for this remedy. It is a pure natural remedy performed using Sunlight.

Deficiency of vitamin D can increase the risk of developing this condition. Apart from vitamin D, heating skin increases the enzymes flow which can heal wounds and eliminate infection.
This treatment is beneficial for lesions on hand, wrist, legs and face. This may help reduce swelling and itching caused by this condition.  It may not help cure oral lichen planus.
How to do it: 

• Suitable time for this treatment is middle of the day.
• Rinse the affected area with lukewarm water.
• Pat dry and leave it for 30 minutes.
• Don’t apply any kind of ointment or sunscreen.
• Put your infected area under direct sunlight for 15 minutes.
• Perform these steps daily for best results.

5. Sage 

Sage is an ancient herb used to cure health conditions such as bloating, stomach acidity, mouth ulcer, formation of gas and infectious skin ailments. If you are looking for a natural remedy to get rid of lichen planus in mouth then sage can help you. Sage has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-irritant and anti-fungal properties(8).
Abscess look a like rash in mouth can form ulcer. Such flat-topped bluish color rash can be treated with sage juice. It help reduce inflammation and itching caused by lichen planus.
How to use:

•  Take one cup of boiling water.
• Put handful of grated sage leaves.
• Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
• When the water temperature is down use it to rinse infected mouth.
• Swish the juice around lesion multiple times.
• For quick relief, simply chew fresh sage leaves.
• Use this remedy 3 times a day.

6. Probiotics for Lichen Planus

Probiotic can help soothe painful oral lichen planus. It work in multiple ways to help you get rid of lesions in mouth. First of all it provide protective layer on flat-topped rash to reduce irritation.
Less irritation can speed up the healing process and help you while eating. Probiotics maintain the balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Such healthy balance of bacteria is good for oral hygiene(9).
Eating probiotics also help boot immune system. Stronger immune is very helpful in reducing the risk of developing lichen planus on genitals and other parts of body.
How to use:

• Take one scoop of active live cultures rich yogurt.
• Keep it inside refrigerator for 15 minutes.
• Put this yogurt in your mouth and swish around infected area.
• Keep it for 15 minutes then spit it out.
• Also eat one small bowl of yogurt in the morning.
• Use this remedy 2 times in 1 day.

7. Oats

Oats are interesting cereal which has health boosting abilities and a history of medicinal use. The medical name for oat is Avena Sativa”.
People have been using oats to cure skin ailments and to reduce skin inflammation. It has anti-oxidant properties which reduce irritation and soothe painful lesions. Oats are an effective home remedy for lichen planus.
Oats also help soothe inflamed skin and prevent skin from flaking. It induce a process called osmosis which help drain out fluids and pus from lesion planus.
How to use:

• Grind 2 tablespoon of pure oats.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Apply it directly on bumpy skin area.
• Put a bandage over this and keep it for 1 hour.
• Remove the bandage carefully and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Repeat this remedy 3 times daily.

8. Folate

There has been discussion about the use of folate which can prevent skin inflammation. A research found that people with deficiency of folate and vitamin B12 is at risk of formation of lichen planus in mouth and genitals.
The study was performed on 41 person suffering from mouth lesion and stomatitis. These patient ages ranged from 16 to 79 years. About 44% patients observed significant improvement in their condition.
Consult with your doctor and start taking folate supplements to counter the skin inflammation diseases.

9. Valerian for Treating Lichen Planus

Valerian is an ancient herbal plant with wide range of health benefits. It is natural sedative which is why people use valerian root to cure insomnia and sleeping disorders.
It has been observed that stress and anxiety are triggers of lichen planus. Valerian herbal tea can improve mood and reduce stress. Natural medicine practioners suggest to use valerian tea for stress management.
It help you sleep tight so that your moring can be energetic. Good sleep is a factor for strong immune system. Healthy immune don’t attack own cells, as a result you can treat lichen planus from inside.
How to use:

• Pour one cup of water in a saucepan.
• Add few dried Valerian roots.
• Bring water to boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain it over a new cup and add 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Drink this herbal tea to improve overall health.

10. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has long history for being used as natural remedy for inflammation and painful lichen planus. Many people use Epsom salt to cure sore muscle and neck pain.
It is well known that our skin can absorb Epsom salt minerals fast. They help reduce swelling and prevent itching of skin.
To detox your skin from toxic material and to purify your dermis from irritants, use Epsom salt bath.
How to treat lichen planus with Epsom salt:

• Fill a bath tub with lukewarm water.
• Put 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in two different socks.
• Throw them in the tub.
• Soak your genitals in this bath to cure lichen planus on vagina or penis.
• Sit for 15 minutes then take fresh shower.
• Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with equal amount of water.
• Use this topically on white striae.
• Keep it on for 15 minutes then rinse with water.
• Follow this home remedy daily until you recover from its symptoms.

11. Best Essential Oils for Lichen Planus

Essential oils such as tea tree,coconut, oregano and Indian lilac have medicinal properties. They can help you prevent the infection and treat skin inflammation effectively.
Essential oils are one of the best way to cure lichen planus naturally. It help reduce the size of flat-topped bumps on skin and control severe itching.
When you use essential oils topically try not to scratch when it stings. Irritating the lesions will make it worse and causes severe pain.
How to use:

• Mix all the above mentioned essential oil to make a blend.
• Keep them in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Apply them topically on affected area.
• Keep it on for 30-40 minutes.
• Use lukewarm water to rinse essential oils.
• Follow this at-home treatment 3 times a day.

Types of Lichen Planus

There are 4 major types of lesion planus which is categorized by their appearance and triggering factor.

• Bullous: It is one of the common type of lesion planus which looks like big flat-topped rash. They are fluid filled blister looking lesion. Mild painful but very itchy. These bumps form inside mouth on tongue or inner cheeks. Commonly known as oral lichen planus.
• Reticular: Easily recognized as white web-like pattern flat bumps on skin. Not so common but not so rare also. The appearance of these lesion in web like structure is called Wickham’s Striae. Generally show up on your palms, neck, underarms and inner thighs.
• Erosive: Typical red rash with flat top. It pop on top layer of skin inside mouth and on tongue. Often seen at back of your body, genitals and face. If left untreated or irritated, it can turn into painful ulcer.
• Atrophic: People often suffer from this condition at location where you already from other lichen planus types. They often are more severe and looks like pus filled blisters.

Lichen Planus Types Based on Their Appearence

People get rashes and lesion at different parts of the body. Apart from medical terms we name it accroding to their location. Here are some common flat-topped rashes:

Oral Lichen Planus

Formation of lichen planus in mouth causes mild to severe discomfort. There is always a chance of ulceration which causes acute pain and irritation. You may not be able to eat spicy food. Oral lesion planus also cause discomfort and pain while drinking coffee or cold drinks.
A red flat-topped rash forms on tongue, gums and inner cheeks of mouth. Such oral lichen planus can cause acute pain while eating. It prevent mouth movement and patient may not be able to speak due to acute pain.

Lichen Planus on Penis

If you see flat-topped lesion at the base of your penis then you might be suffering from this condition. It often look like white striae under penis shaft. It is itchy and inflamed in nature. The top of this rash looking lesion is hard and flat.
Men will suffer from severe itching and probably inflammation of penis. It is very discomforting, and wearing cotton underwear can ease the pain and discomfort.

Lichen Planus on Vagina

Inner walls of vagina or the area around vulva often suffer from skin bumps. Women can expect hard bumps on vulva which is very itchy. It may cause vaginal itching and burning sensation.
A study has found that, 1 in 2 women with oral lichen planus can suffer from genital lesions too. Most of the time it remain un-diagnosed.

Lichen Planus on Nails and Scalp

Lichen planus on scalp can be embarrassing and cause hair loss. If not treated well or misdiagnosed then it may cause permanent scarring and hair loss(10).
It can appear on fingernails and toenails. People often confuse it with ingrown toenail and athlete’s foot condition. It look like infection but lesions are hard and top surface is flat.
It causes redness and inflation of nails. If it infects the area under nails then possibly you will lose your nails. It causes split nails causing pain and severe itching.

Lichen Planus Risk Factors

There are various factors which can aggravate this condition or trigger lesions. However there is no single or definite reason why you get lichen planus. So here are some of the risk factors which will help you understand this condition better.

• Allergens: Now a days people regularly use chemical based cosmetic products. Many people clams that lichen planus triggered after using chemical based dye or cosmetic ointments.
• Genetics: We get vulnerabilities from our ancestors and you are at higher risk of developing lichen planus if your immediate relatives had it before you was born.
• Diabetes: The prescribed drugs for diabetes can trigger such white striae on mouth and nails.
• Metal Drugs: Medication which contains arsenic, bismuth, gold or quinidine causes skin burst similar to lichen planus(12).
• Hepatitis C: According to one meta-analysis, it have been found that there is direct association with hepatitis C and lichen planus(13).
• Your Age: Older people are at higher risk of getting lichen planus. When we grow old our immune system becomes weak. You can get this skin ailment when the immune system mistakenly attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes.

How Long Does Lichen Planus Last

There are claims that you can not cure lichen planus. The justification point towards the immune strength and its behavior. It is an skin inflammatory condition which is basically caused by your own immune system.
However, there are people who have used natural treatment to cure lichen planus has different opinion. People who focus on building immune strength and uses home remedies as topical ointments have seen significant improvement.
The symptoms and lichen planus marks can take up-to 2 years until it go away. People using conventional treatment with natural self care has cured this skin condition in 3 months. However, if you were looking for a way to get rid of lichen planus in 1 day then that it not happening.

How To Prevent Lichen Planus from Recurring

It is a skin disease which comes in episodes and can last up-to multiple months. There are certain lifestyle changes you can make to prevent skin inflaming health conditions.

• Clean your genitals every time you take shower.
• Eat immune boosting foods.
• Eat 3 whole meals in a day.
• Avoid scratching lesion planus.
• Don’t pop lichen planus.
• Try to scrub your body once in a week.
• Eat natural antibiotic foods.
• Manage your stress.
• Sleep 8-9 hours everyday.
• Keep your mouth clean.
• Clean your tongue every time your brush your teeth.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.

Now you know best home treatments for lichen planus. Try to use multiple home remedies to increase the overall effect. Focus on boosting your immune to support internal healing. If you ever suffered from lichen planus then feed your children immune boosting food. It help in prevention of recurrent lichen planus. Try to keep a distance from triggers and allergens. Finally take medication without a doctors prescription.

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