Authored by Dr Harsh Sharma, Edited and Peer Reviewed by Dr. Pooja Sharma

Published September 23, 2023, Last updated September 23, 2023

Lichen Planus is an inflammatory rash that affects your skin and mucous membranes. The immune system triggers the rash but the real cause is not clear. The skin rash usually itches. Lichen Planus (often called LP in short) affects almost 1% of the population. The following 5 homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus are very effective –

1. Arsenic Album
2. Merc Sol
3. Borax
4. Secale Cor
5. Oleander

   Before we come to the detailed indications of these homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus, let us understand the disease a little better.

What is Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus is a non- infectious inflammatory skin disease. It usually affects the inside of your mouth or the skin of arms and legs. One school of thought believes that it is an autoimmune disease though another group disagrees. It affects mostly people above the age of 30 years. This does not mean that younger people cannot have this disease.

What causes Lichen Planus

Although there is no clear consensus on what causes the disease, certain factors are known to contribute to the incidence. Such factors are as follows

• Stress is a known contributory factor. Most patients who have LP report an aggravation in their symptoms during phases of stress.
• Hepatitis C is another factor known to contribute towards incidence of Lichen Planus.
• Viral infections like Herpes Zoster also tend to play a part in its prevalence.
• Some medicines like those for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease also increase its occurrence.

Symptoms of Lichen Planus

The symptoms of Lichen Planus vary according to the site of involvement. Skin symptoms of LP are different from the oral symptoms. Nails, genital areas and scalp can also get affected and have varied symptoms.

Skin symptoms

There is rash on the skin which itches. This rash usually appears suddenly.

There are purple, red or dark patches on the skin. Such discoloration can happen anywhere on the wrists, arms, ankles, legs or even back.

Discoloration of the skin may remain for a long time after rash is gone. The darkness of skin can often be a source of anxiety for the patient.

Oral symptoms

Lichen Planus can often show up inside your mouth. In such cases, there are white patches or dots on the inner side of your cheeks. In some cases, redness and soreness is present while in other cases, there is burning of the affected area. Mouth often remains dry. Some patients report alteration of taste. One cannot tolerate spicy food.

Nails

There may be discoloration or alteration in the texture of the nails. Ridges develop or nails may even split. In some cases, the nails may even come off.

Genitals

Purple or white ring shaped patches occur around the head of penis. In females, it can affect vulva and vagina also. Whitish discoloration in streaks can occur. There may be pain and bleeding while having intercourse.

Scalp

Redness, itching and some eruptions may occur on the scalp. Hair loss may also happen in some cases.

Homeopathic Treatment of Lichen Planus

Homeopathy has a strong track record in the treatment of Lichen Planus. Homeopathic medicines for LP are very effective in treating all forms of the disease, whether oral or dermatological. The added advantage is that these homeopathic remedies don’t have any side effects at all.

5 Best Homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus

Over a period of more than two decades, I have seen hundreds of cases of Lichen Planus. I have used more than a dozen remedies in the treatment of different cases as the final choice of the medicine depends upon the symptoms present in each case. Still, a few common remedies are needed more often in the treatment of this disease. Here are the 5 best homeopathic remedies for lichen planus –

1. Arsenic Album – One of the best homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus with burning

2. Merc Sol – One of the best homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus with increased sweating

3. Borax – One of the best homeopathic medicines for oral Lichen Planus

4. Secale Cor – One of the best homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus with blackish discoloration

5. Oleander – One of the best homeopathic medicines for LP on scalp

Here, I am giving a brief description of the symptoms indicating each medicine. These are just indicative and do not cover the whole list of the symptoms produced by each medicine.

1. Arsenic Album – One of the best homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus with burning

When there is burning in the eruptions or the skin lesions, Arsenic Album is one of the best homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus. Most important symptoms pointing to the use of the medicine are the general symptoms of the patient. The patient has a lot of anxiety and restlessness in the patient. Thirst for small quantities at frequent intervals is another hallmark of this medicine.

2. Merc Sol – One of the best homeopathic medicines for Lichen Planus with increased sweating

When there is increased sweating all over the body, Merc Sol is one of the best homeopathic medicines for LP. The patient is sensitive to both heat and cold and cannot tolerate either. Increased salivation in mouth is also present in most cases.

3. Borax – One of the best homeopathic medicines for oral Lichen Planus

When mouth is primarily involved, Borax is one of the most important remedies for LP. Mouth is full of aphthae. These aphthae bleed on touch and while eating. Hot burning sensation pervades in the mouth most of the time. White fungus like growth is present in the mouth and taste is bitter.

4. Secale Cor – One of the best homeopathic remedies for LP with blackish discoloration

When there is blackish discoloration of the skin, Secale Cor is one of the best homeopathic medicnes for Lichen Planus. The skin is usually shriveled with a dusky blue tinge.  Livid spots are present in most areas. The skin feels cold to touch and despite this, the patient prefers to keep the part uncovered. He cannot tolerate heat.

5. Oleander – One of the best homeopathic remedies  for Lichen Planus on scalp

When the scalp is the major area of involvement, Oleander is one of the best remedies for LP. There is corrosive itching on the forehead and margins of hair. Red rough spots on the scalp are present. Intense itching is present on the scalp.