HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR ORAL LICHEN PLANUS

Oral lichen planus  is an ongoing (chronic) inflammatory condition that affects mucous membranes inside the  mouth. Oral lichen planus may appear as white, lacy patches; red, swollen tissues; or open sores. These lesions may cause burning, pain or other discomfort.

Oral lichen planus can't be passed from one person to another. The disorder occurs when the immune system mounts an attack against cells of the oral mucous membranes for unknown reasons (autoimmune disorder).

Symptoms can usually be managed, but people who have oral lichen planus need regular monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas.

Causes

t's not known what causes oral lichen planus. However, T lymphocytes — certain white blood cells involved in inflammation — appear to be activated in oral lichen planus. Although it could indicate an immune disorder, more research is needed to determine the exact cause.

It's possible that, in some people, oral lichen planus may be triggered by certain medications, mouth injury, infection, or allergy-causing agents such as dental materials. However, these causes are not confirmed.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of oral lichen planus affect the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Appearance

The lesions may appear as:

·         Lacy, white, raised patches of tissues

·         Red, swollen, tender patches of tissues

·         Open sores

Location

These lesions may appear on the:

·         Inside of the cheeks, the most common location

·         Gums

·         Tongue

·         Inner tissues of the lips

·         Palate

Pain or discomfort

The white, lacy patches may not cause discomfort when they appear on the inside of the cheeks. However, symptoms accompanying red, swollen patches and open sores may include:

·         Burning sensation or pain

·         Sensitivity to hot, acidic or spicy foods

·         Bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing

·         Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)

·         Painful, thickened patches on the tongue

·         Discomfort when speaking, chewing or swallowin

Other types of lichen planus

If you have oral lichen planus, you may have lichen planus lesions affecting other parts of your body.

·         Skin. Lesions usually appear as purplish, flat-topped bumps that are often itchy.

·         Genitals. Lesions on the female genitalia often cause pain or burning and discomfort with intercourse. The lesions are usually red and eroded and occasionally appear as white areas. Lesions also can occur on male genitalia.

·         Ears. Lichen planus of the ears can lead to hearing loss.

·         Scalp. When skin lesions appear on the scalp — a rare condition — they may cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

·         Nails. Though rare, lichen planus of the toenails or fingernails may result in ridges on the nails, thinning or splitting of nails, and temporary or permanent nail loss.

·         Eyes. Rarely, lichen planus may involve the mucous membrane surfaces of the eyes, and can cause scarring and blindness.

·         Esophagus. Lichen planus of the esophagus also is rare, but when it occurs, it may result in a narrowing of the esophagus or the formation of tightened, ringlike bands in the esophagus that can make swallowing difficult

Risk factors

Some factors may increase your risk of developing oral lichen planus, such as having a disorder that compromises your immune system or taking certain medications, though more research is needed.

Complications

Severe cases of oral lichen planus may increase the risk of:

·         Significant pain

·         Weight loss or nutritional deficiency

·         Stress or anxiety

·         Depression

·         Scarring from erosive lesions

·         Secondary oral yeast or fungal infections

·         Oral cancer

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It 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 Oral lichen planus   is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms

Effective homoeopathic remedies are available for this cobdition.

MERC . SOL 30—Merc sol is considered to be one of the top medicines for Oral lichen planus with multiple sores in the mouth. Sores  appear in the mouth- on the gums, tongue , inside of the cheek and on throat with profuse salivation. The ulcers are irregular in shape, edges undefined , have a dirty , unhealthy look, lardaceous base surrounded with a dark halo , apt to run together. Mouth red and inflamed and difficult to open.  The tongue is large, flabby, shows the imprint of teeth. Profuse salivation. Saliva is tenacious , soapy, stringy, and profuse. Fetid , coppery- metallic taste of saliva. Offensive breath from the mouth.

BORAX 30—Borax is another important remedy for Oral lichen planus, where ulcers or white patchy growths are seen in the mouth, especially on the tongue and inner side of the cheeks. . Ulcers bleed on eating or by touch and they are painful. Mouth hot and tender. Bitter taste in the mouth  on eating or swallowing the saliva.

NATRUM MURIATICUM 200—Natrum muriaticum is best for Oral lichen planus, where sores  are seen in mouth and tongue. Ulcers burn and smart when touched by food. Tongue mapped, beaded, or striped along edges. Loss of taste and smell. Speech becomes difficult. Breath hot and offensive.

NITRIC ACID 30—Nitric acid effective for Oral lichen planus , where ulcers are seen inner side of cheeks, the inner side of lips , edges of tongue and  in gums. They are painful, sharp splinter –like pain is characteristic to Nitric acid. Gum swollen, sore, flabby, bleeding inner side. Bloody saliva with green coating on tongue. Bites the tongue and cheek.

KALI MURIATICUM 30—Kali mur is indicated for Oral lichen planus , where white ulers are seen in mouth , especially on tongue. There may be burning or stinging pain. The tongue is coated grayish white. Tongue mapped, gray or white ate base. Salty, bitter taste in mouth. The breath is fetid.

KREOSOTUM 30—Kreosotum is considered for Oral lichen planus, where the ulcers mainly seen on gums. Bluish , greenish, spongy gums filled with pus. Foul breath.

PHOSPHORUS 30—Phosphorus is indicated for Oral lichen planus , where ulcers are seen inside of cheek, tongue, gums and the palate. Persistent bleeding from the ulcers is characteristic  to Phosphorus. Speech difficult. Profuse salivation, saliva have a salty or sweetish taste.

PLANTAGO MAJOR 30—Plantago is another best remedy for Oral lichen planus, where ulcers are seen in the mouth, especially inside cheeks and gums. Swelling of cheeks.  Profuse flow of saliva. Saliva flows with pain. Bleeding from the gums. Tongue coated white, with dirty, putrid, clammy taste. Putrid breath