Anti-itch products that contain antihistamines. such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride, typically help relieve the itching effectively. Talk to your doctor about what products might be right for your specific condition.
Be sure not to scrub the inflamed area. This can cause more irritation. There is usually no need to apply ice, as a cold water relieves the itching just as effectively.
Oatmeal is known to be an anti-inflammatory agent that is often used to soothe inflamed skin. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you have a very minor case of lichen planus, you may only have a small patch of bumps that is easily soothed and then goes away quickly. Not all cases will go away on their own and never have a recurrence. However, only 1 in 5 people that have an outbreak will have another.
In many cases, you will go to your primary care physician first and then get referred to a dermatologist.
There can be side effects caused by long-term use of corticosteroids, such as impact on the thickness and color of the skin, so you should use them for as little time as possible. Oral corticosteroids are typically prescribed for lichen planus that has caused sores in the mouth, as the medication will be able to enter the bloodstream and treat the sores. Steroids should only be used for 2-4 weeks.
Antihistamines block the chemicals in the body that create inflammation and irritation. [9] X Research source Common antihistamines prescribed for lichen planus may include diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, fexofenadine, loratidine, and cetirizine. Be aware that taking antihistamines may make you drowsy, so read the packaging and follow the directions and warnings included.
Light therapy is a process in which the dermatologist puts a light-activated medication on your skin and then they apply ultraviolet light to activate it. You will likely need at least 15 treatments spaced a few days apart to improve your condition. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Talk to your doctor about whether this treatment is right for your specific case of lichen planus. There are some situations, such as if you have very sensitive skin, when it may not be appropriate.
Your dermatologist may be able to use bleaching creams and laser resurfacing treatments to eliminate these spots.
Once you identify conditions that increase your likelihood of an outbreak, avoid them if you can.
The main treatment for hepatitis C is antiviral medications. These should be prescribed by a doctor and your condition should be monitored by a doctor as well. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
The main treatment for hepatitis C is antiviral medications. These should be prescribed by a doctor and your condition should be monitored by a doctor as well. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
