Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin disorder that affects the genital and perianal regions. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It involves the appearance of white and patchy skin that appears thinner than the normal. The condition tends to recur; hence long-term follow-up caution is needed. It can affect anyone but postmenopausal women are more likely to be affected by it. The symptoms don't improve without treatment.
It is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LICHEN SCLEROSUS?
The skin of the genital and anal area is mostly affected but in some cases skin of the upper body such as arms, breasts etc. may also be affected. In women, it mostly affects the vulva region.
Some of the common signs and symptoms include:
- Itching, which can be severe
- Redness in the affected area
- Smooth white patches on the skin
- Blotchy or wrinkled patches
- Discomfort or pain
- Painful intercourse
- Bleeding occurs in severe cases
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LICHEN SCLEROSUS?
The cause of lichen sclerosus is unclear. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones, an infection, or genes may play a role. In a particular site, previous skin damage on the skin may increase the probability of lichen sclerosus at that location.
DIAGNOSIS
Lichen sclerosus can be diagnosed by physical examination as well as by biopsy, in which a small piece of tissue is examined under a microscope.
TREATMENT
Allopathic treatment of lichen sclerosus involves the prescription of immunosuppressive drugs and steroids to inhibit the abnormal immune system response. But, these drugs carry long-term complications by increasing the risk of repeated infections.
COMPLICATIONS
People with lichen sclerosus are at an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the affected area. squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the prevalent form of skin cancer.
HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF LICHEN SCLEROSUS?
In Ayurveda, lichen sclerosus can be categorized under Kushtha and can be treated by the general principles mentioned in kushtha chikitsa, where the systemic treatment is given according to the dosha dominance.
According to Ayurveda, the nidaan (etiology) of lichen sclerosus is Visha (autoimmune), which usually results from the consumption of incompatible foods, exposure to certain environmental factors, stress etc. Stress also plays an important role as excessive stress vitiates the Rasa Dhatu as well as Rasavaha Srotas, which is responsible for Kapha dushti.
The auto-immune nature of the disease along with Kapha dushti causes kandu (itchy lesion). Hence, the primary dosha involved is Kapha dosha.
Reference: Astanga Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 11, Shloka No. 7
Meaning: In this shloka, the effects of an increase in Kapha dosha are explained. It causes weak digestion, excessive salivation, laziness, the feeling of heaviness, white discoloration, coldness, lose body parts, asthma, cold, cough, and excessive sleep.
HOW PLANET AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF LICHEN SCLEROSUS?
Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies that help to control the worsening of the lesions and restore the natural health of the skin and correct a dysfunction of immune system as well. These remedies consist of detoxifiers that protect the skin tissues. The aim of the treatment is to manage the root cause of illness by regulating and modulating the immune system response, without suppressing it.
Ayurvedic treatment has a better scope for the treatment of lichen sclerosus due to its holistic approach.
Herbal Remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda for the treatment of Lichen Sclerosus are:
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Radiant Hair Skin Nail Formula Capsules
- Curcumin Capsules
- Nirgundi Oil
- Gandhak Rasayan
Herbal Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) Capsules
The standardized extract of the herb is used for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda’s Manjishtha Capsules. This herb is classically categorized under the group of herbs that are good for skin and useful in mitigating Pitta dosha. The anti-inflammatory, blood purifying and immune-boosting properties of this herb help in the treatment of lichen sclerosus.
Dose: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water after taking meals.
2. Radiant Skin, Hair & Nails Formula
These capsules by Planet Ayurveda contain are prepared using the natural ingredients that aid in skin repair and growth. They contain the standardized extracts of the herbs that are useful in relieving skin problems without causing any side effects. These capsules help to relieve stubborn skin problems naturally. Stubborn skin problems such as ringworm, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, acne can be relieved quite effectively by the use of radiant skin hair nails formula capsules.
Ingredients Of Radiant Hair Skin Nail Formula Are:
S. No. |
Botanical Name |
Indian Name |
Quantity |
1. |
Rubia cordifolia |
Manjishtha |
200 mg |
2. |
Fumaria officinalis |
Pit papda |
100 mg |
3. |
Swertia chiretta |
Chirata |
100 mg |
4. |
Aloe barbadensis |
Ghrit Kumari |
100 mg |
Dose: 1-2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
3. Curcumin Capsules (Curcuma longa)
The standardized extract of curcumin is used for the preparation of Curcumin Capsules. Turmeric is very effective in reducing the pain, white lesions etc. associated with lichen sclerosus due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritis, and anti-bacterial effects. Turmeric also helps in the correction of immunity due to its immune-modulator effects.
Dose: 1-2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
4. Nirgundi Oil
Planet Ayurveda’s Nirgundi Oil is prepared from the leaves of Vitex negundo and processed with other herbs such as Manjishtha, Haridra and Kalihari, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties. The leaves are a rich source of resins, fragrant and volatile oil. This oil is mainly used as a remedy for skin disorders such as wound healing, boils, eczema etc. This oil also works wonderfully in lichen sclerosus, when applied externally.
How to use: Apply on the affected areas once or twice a day.
5. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak Rasayan is a classical Ayurvedic preparation, which contains detoxified sulphur as the main ingredient. Due to the anti-bacterial, anti-viral and blood purifying properties, it is widely used in the treatment of all types of skin problems such as itching and burning sensation. It is due to the fact that underlying pathology, urticaria or hives, acne or pimples etc. Due to its anti-pruritic, demulcent, anti-inflammatory properties, it is quite effective in the treatment of lichen sclerosus.
Dose: 1-2 tablets to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
Thus, these safe and natural remedies help the patients to prevent the exacerbation of the symptoms and provide great relief by improving the patient's quality of life and preventing the complications such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
