5 Most Common Causes Of Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory circumstance that impacts the pores and skin and mucous membranes. It can bring about an itchy, non-infectious rash and might have an effect on many components of the body, such as your trunk, arms, legs, scalp, nails, genitals, and mouth – while it impacts the mouth, it's far called oral lichen planus. The signs of this sickness range barely relying at the location that’s affected.

# Autoimmune Response

Your immune system protects you from infection and disease by producing proteins known as antibodies which attack harmful viruses and bacteria. The immune system tends to be overactive in people who have lichen planus, producing excessive antibodies which cause the skin to become inflamed. This abnormal immune response is known as an autoimmune response and may be responsible for the symptoms experienced by people with lichen planus.

# Reaction To Certain Medication

Lichen planus may also develop due to a reaction to some medicines. Medications used to treat heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, malaria, and diabetes, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers and certain antibiotics, may be to blame. If this is the case, your rashes should clear up when you stop taking the concerned medicine. However, please do not stop any medicine that you’ve been prescribed without checking with your doctor.

# Reaction To Metal Fillings In The Mouth

Though it’s rare, sometimes, metal fillings in the mouth have been known to cause oral lichen planus. More likely in women than men, and mostly caused in the middle ages, lichen planus can occur after you have got an amalgam dental filling. About 50% of amalgam dental fillings is made of mercury, and the mercury can cause a reaction. If this is so, substituting a non-metal filling for the metal filling will clear your lichen planus.

# Family History Of Lichen Planus

A rare kind of lichen planus called familial bullous lichen planus is known to run in families. However, do keep in mind that other kinds of lichen planus do not appear to be hereditary.

One study found that the shin is most commonly affected in familial bullous lichen planus, after which come the upper limbs and thighs. This kind of lichen planus tends to be chronic and progressive. It also usually doesn’t involve the torso and the mouth.

# Other Viral Infections

Some cases of oral lichen planus have also been associated with viral infections like those caused by Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, human herpes virus, human papilloma virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), though not as commonly as with hepatitis C.

# Stress

Though you may not be aware of this connection, skin and mental health are closely related. While there’s debate about whether lichen planus is caused by stress, it is established that emotional stress can worsen this condition in some cases. Studies have found that patients tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety, which further worsens the condition. Psychiatric counseling may also be required to improve the quality of life.