What Patients Should Know About Lichen Planus
When it comes to a dermatologist, Palo Alto residents who experience issues with their skin might benefit from seeing this type of doctor. This could be especially true when you have a condition, such as Lichen planus. With the right doctor and knowledge of the condition, you are ensuring that you are an informed patient. This condition is considered to be an inflammatory one. It can affect your skin, as well as your nails, hair, and mucous membranes. Knowing the basics will help you to understand what is happening with your skin.
Learning About the Causes
This condition is typically considered to be the result of your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells. However, the exact cause of why this happens is not known. Experts believe that certain things could possibly trigger it, such as:
● Hepatitis C
● Certain chemicals, metals and pigments
● Certain medications
● Flu vaccine
Exploring the Symptoms
In many cases, the condition is mild and while it can be bothersome, it may not take a major toll on your overall well-being. However, there are cases that are more moderate to severe. The symptoms you experience often depend on the areas of your body that are affected and they might include:
● Bumps that are flat and purplish in color
● White patches in the mouth that almost resemble lace
● Scalp discoloration and hair loss
● Blisters that can break and become scabs
● Vaginal or oral ulcers that can be painful
● Itching
● Nail loss or damage
Getting a Diagnosis
Your symptoms are generally enough to make a diagnosis, but your doctor might order some tests to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate. These tests might include a test for hepatitis C, a biopsy of one of the lesions, or allergy testing.
Treatment Options
In many cases, the condition goes away on its own and you just might need some supportive care to cope with the bothersome symptoms, such as topical cortisone for the itching. In cases where treatment is necessary, there might be several options and the right ones will depend on your specific case. These could include:
● Corticosteroids
● Antihistamines
● Immune response medications
● Retinoids
● Light therapy
You can certainly see why working with a dermatologist in Palo Alto might be beneficial if you have lichen planus. Now that you understand more about this condition, you have a better idea about what is happening with your body. It helps you to work with your doctor to explore the different treatment methods that might be available to you.
Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee any result, even though most of our patients do see success. The results of our services will vary greatly to each patient’s level of commitment and compliance with the program.