HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR LICHEN PLANUS PIGMENTOSUS , LPP
Lichen planus pigmentosus
( LPP ) was first described by Bhutani et al. in 1974. This disease of unknown
etiology runs an insidious and prolonged course and is characterized by macules
of dark brown color distributed principally in the sun-exposed areas of the
body. The disease may involve the mucosa but spares the scalp and nails. They
named the disease ‘ Lichen planus pigmentosus ‘. It has been reported to occur
predominantly in persons with darker skin and may occasionally be accompanied
by pruritus. Cases have been reported from India, Japan, Korea, the Middle
East, and Latin America.
The disease starting
insidiously after the age of 30. It occurs
in both sexes but shows a female preponderance.
Lichen planus pigmentosus
is a rare variant of cutaneous lichen planus characterized by the presence of
hyperpigmented lesions in sun-exposed or flexural areas of the body.
Symptoms
·
The disease usually starts on the face and
neck, spreading later to the upper extremities and trunk
·
Relatively rare sites of involvement are
the oral mucosa and folds such as axillae, inframammary areas and groin.
·
Intinally the lesions are asymptomatic or
mildly pruritic. Then the initial lesions are small, brown , oval macules with
diffuse borders.
·
Later they merge to form pigmented areas
which are gray or brown
·
The pigmentation may be diffuse, reticulate
or perifollicular
·
The patches are usually symmetrical in
distribution, but may be found in a segmental, zosteriform or blaschkoid
pattern.
Causes
Although the etiology is
essentially unknown , a number of agents have been reported to act as
predisposing factors.
The occurrence in exposed
areas in many patients has led to the proposition that sunlight may be a principal
etiological agent.
Other postulated agents
are hepatitis C virus, mustard oil which contains the potential photosensitizer
allyl thiocyanate, amla oil where the photosensitivity may be caused by
fragrances, cosmetic agents such as kumkum, hair dyes, etc
Abnormalities in T-lymphocyte
functions have also been implicated.
It can be induced by gold
therapy .
Lichen planus pigmentosus
has been associated with scarring alopecia and circulating antinuclear
antibodies; frontal fibrosing alopecia; acrokeratosis of Bazex and head and
neck carcinoma; hepatitis C infection, and nephritic syndrome.
Prognosis
Lichen
planus pigmentosus seems to follow a
chronic nature
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Homoeopathy today is a
rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength
lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the
sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental , emotional ,
spiritual and physical levels. When LPP
is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in
Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient ,
considering the mental and physical symptoms.
ANTIMONIUM
CRUDUM 30---Antimonium
crudum is considered for LPP , where the skin is dry with measles like
eruptions. Intense itching, which is worse from the heat of bed. Eruptions with
burning and itching, worse at night. Skin is sensitive to cold bathing. LPP
with gastric derangements.
LACHESIS
0/3—Lachesis
is prescribed where the skin has a bluish, black appearance. Eruptions with bluish purple appearance. The patient
cannot bear anything tight anywhere. Sensation of constriction in the throat,
abdomen and head.
THUJA
OCCIDENTALIS 1000—Thuja occidentalis is effective for LPP
with hyperpigmented brown colored spots. These spots are seen on face, hands
and arms.Skin very sensitive to touch. Violent itching and burning, worse cold
bathing.
SULPHUR
IODATUM 30—Sulpjur iodide is prescribed for LPP with papular
eruptions on the face. Papular eruptions with constant itching. Itching on ears
and neck.
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