Lichen Sclerosus is a rare skin condition characterized by the appearance of whitish patches on the skin along with its thinning. Anal and genital regions are most commonly affected by this skin disorder. Although anyone can be affected by this rare skin disease but women in their postmenopausal time are more prone to it. This skin disease can relapse several times resulting in permanent scarring of the skin of affected areas. In this article there is given all details about the Lichen Planus and herbal remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda to treat and manage it.
Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory chronic skin ailment which is rare in occurrence usually affecting the females before puberty age or after menopause. However in very rare circumstances men can also be affected by this disease. There are changes in the external genitalia’s skin, usually the areas affected are anus and vulva, when it occurs in women. While in men penis, specifically the head, is affected by it. There occurs formation of atrophic, white colored, plaques along with the pain and pruritus which eventually leads to scarring and adhesion of the external genitalia. Lichen sclerosus in further course can cause functional ailments like difficulty in defecation, urination and sexual intercourse (in women) and erections (in men). Lichen sclerosus cannot be transmitted sexually nor is it contagious.
The exact cause behind the occurrence of lichen sclerosus remains unknown. However certain studies have suggested the role of abnormal functioning of the immune system behind it. In this phenomenon of autoimmunity the immune system which is supposed to target the foreign or obnoxious agents which attacks the body but in autoimmune diseases it starts to attack the healthy tissues of the body for unknown causes. Genetic predisposition has also been found to be running behind it. There can be certain other triggers as well like infections or irritants affecting skin and hormonal disturbances.
Usually when the Lichen sclerosus is in mild condition, there are no signs and symptoms. However when they appear, it commonly affects the skin of anus and external genitalia, in uncommon cases the skin of breasts, upper body or upper arms can be affected.
A thorough physical examination, medical history can help in the diagnosis of Lichen sclerosus. Biopsy in which a small piece of tissue is taken from the affected area and seen under microscope helps in confirmation of the diagnosis.
Lichen sclerosus is conventionally treated with the topical steroids to relieve itching, prevent further scarring and also improve the texture of skin. However after such treatment recurrence is common. Corticosteroids in the form of ointments and cream applied on the affected area of the skin. However, there are many side effects of such treatment when taken in the long term.
Ayurveda is the science of life which originated in India and now is being used and practiced in various countries across the globe. It has many herbs which possess therapeutic action on the skin and helps in treating the diseases related to them either be acute or chronic.
Planet Ayurveda is no more just an unknown name but has developed to grow as a very renowned herbal pharmaceutical company. There is a wide range of products offered by Planet Ayurveda which are purely herbal, organic and vegetarian. No additives, binders, colors, fillers, preservatives or chemicals are used in the herbal products of Planet Ayurveda which enhances their safety and efficacy. Strict supervision is always on the production of each and every product and classical Ayurvedic literature is the base of these herbal medicines. Herbal products and medicines produced by Planet Ayurveda are used to treat various chronic diseases even though some of them are considered to be untreatable in the modern medicine system. Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines to treat and manage the Lichen sclerosus.
It is prepared using Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulphur). Gandhak rasayan possesses various therapeutic properties which helps in relieving the skin complaints like itching, redness, swelling, prevents blister or sore formation. These herbal tablets also give a healthy skin
Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water
These herbal capsules are prepared from standardized extract of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) herb. Manjishtha capsules consist of medicinal properties like antibacterial, anti inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidants which helps in relieving inflammation and prevents skin infections. It also helps to maintain healthy skin.
Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water
This is the multi herbal syrup which is prepared using Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Chopchini (Smilax china), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Khadir (Areca catechu), Shobhanjan (Moringa oleifera), Shahtara (Fumaria officinalis) etc. Dermoplan syrup as the name suggests helps in keeping the skin healthy by keeping the ailments at bay. It relieves the itching, redness and helps in clearing the patches on the skin.
Dosage- Take 2 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water
As this disorder arises due to vitiation of Pitta dosha in the body as per Ayurveda, hence Pitta balance capsules help in bringing back the balance of Pitta dosha eradicating the disorder from root cause and preventing its recurrence. Pitta balance capsules are prepared using Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Jahar mohra pishti (An Ayurvedic calcium compound), Mukta pishti (Pearl calcium) etc.
Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water
Herbs like Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes) etc are used to prepare these tablets. Kaishore guggul works by removing the toxins from the blood and purifying it. This eventually results in healthy and good appearing skin.
Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water
Vitex negundo (Nirgundi) is used to prepare this amazing herbal oil. Nirgundi oil possesses anti inflammatory, healing and anti microbial properties which relieves inflammation, accelerates healing of sores and ulcers and prevents skin infections when applied topically.
Direction- Take few drops on cotton swab and apply on the affected area at least twice a day
Lichen sclerosus is a rare chronic skin disorder which results in formation of white patched, thin appearance of skin and further can result in scarring of the area. Herbal remedies discussed above can help in treating the disease from root cause and prevent its further recurrence naturally.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD - Ayurveda) is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. He is Author of the Book "Ayurveda – God’s Manual For Healing". He is an Ayurveda Expert Serving People worldwide through all the Possible Mediums, Operating from Main Branch in Mohali, India. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments with the help of Purest Herbal Supplements, Diet, and Lifestyle, according to the Principles of Ayurveda. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com