Diseases
What is it
Lichen planus is a chronic skin condition which is often termed as an incurable disease due to nature of its obstinacy or tendency to remain for years. Fortunately, it finds promising and long lasting results using homeopathic medicines.
The name essentially derives from the common lichen which is a slow growing plant present on the walls, rocks, and trees. Also, the second word planus refers to its presentation which is flat-topped or horny in appearance.
Lichen planus most commonly affects the skin. The other areas of involvement are oral cavity including tongue and gums, nails, genitals and scalp. All the stated areas may not be involved in the same patient at the same time. It has a tendency to relapse.
All over the world 1 – 2% of the population is affected with this condition. In general, both men and women are equally affected except in oral lichen planus where women are affected more. It is more commonly seen in people over the age of 40 years although it may affect at any age.
Lichen planus is a non-infectious disease that means it does not spread from person to person by contact. Lichen planus is not a type of cancer and it is not related to cancer in any way.