Lichen Planus Itching Is Driving Me Mad

Dear Sarah,

I have been told I have lichen planus. At the moment it is only on one shin, it has been worse on both shins and arms.

I have tried using prescription creams, OTS creams, oils and none of these seem to work.

This time i have had this rash about 2 years (maybe more), started about 14/15 yrs ago and then came back 9 yrs ago for a few months and then now.

I know this is what happens with this, but I need something as the itching its driving me mad.

Denise

More Details:
Age - 45
Moisturising Regime - Morning & Evening
Spots? - No
Dry Skin? - No
Any Redness? - No
Allergic or Aggravated Skin? - For the past 14 years

Dear Denise,

Lichen planus, like many skin allergies, is thought to be an 'auto-immune' condition.

This means that the immune system is 'triggered' by a virus or other environmental factor and attacks cells on the skin which leads to the inflammation.

Eczema, psoriases and urticaria are similarly believed to be auto-immune conditions. Do you find the itchiness is worse when you're unwell, tired or run down?

The good news is that, like urticaria, lichen planus often goes away all by itself, usually after a couple of years - so you might be reaching the end of its natural cycle.

However, it does sound like it recurs in you. Often recurrences can occur after a shock to the body, emotional or physical. For example, urticaria is sometimes triggered by bee stings and psoriasis can be brought on by stress.

I'd recommend trying our Chamomile & Rosehip Cream on a small patch to see if that helps.

Chamomile contains azulene which is a natural anti inflammatory and Rosehip is brilliant at healing and regenerating the skin. I would suggest you start with one of our 5ml samples and seeing if it brings you any comfort.

Store it in the fridge and try applying cold as this will help to soothe the itchiness.

Additionally, I'd recommend seeing a naturopath as they would be able to recommend some natural remedies to help alleviate the itching.

Quercetin, for example, is a good a natural anti-histamine and is best taken alongside Vitamin B and Bromelain (which helps the body to absorb the Quercetin).

Nettle tea is also considered to be brilliant for skin allergies.

As a general rule, the stronger your immune system the better the rash should be. So that means a good diet and plenty of rest.

Conditioning the skin from the inside may also help. Try and increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids (that's omega 3, 6 &9) - oily fish, seeds and nuts are all good sources.

If your diet is lacking in these foods then flaxseed oil would be a good supplement. Make sure you buy it fresh and store it in the fridge. It's best taken straight off the spoon but doesn't taste particularly nice!

I do hope this information is of help. If you have any further queries please don't hesitate to shout.

**All content provided is for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other health care professional.