About lichen annularis

What is lichen annularis?

Granuloma annulare is a chronic degenerative skin disorder. The most common form is localized granuloma annulare, which is characterized by the presence of small, firm red or yellow colored bumps (nodules or papules) that appear arranged in a ring on the skin. In most cases, the sizes of the lesions range from one to five centimeters. The most commonly affected sites include the feet, hands, and fingers. In addition to the localized form, there are four less common forms: generalized or disseminated, linear, perforating, and subcutaneous. The lesions associated with granuloma annulare usually disappear without treatment (spontaneous remission). However, the lesions often reappear. The exact cause of granuloma annulare is unknown.

What are the symptoms for lichen annularis?

See your doctor if tiny Bumps or a rash-like condition appears on your skin for no apparent reason, such as a known allergic reaction or contact with poison ivy. Also see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms associated with lichen planus of the mouth, genitals, scalp or nails.

It's best to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis because a number of skin and mucosal conditions can cause Lesions and discomfort.

What are the causes for lichen annularis?

Lichen planus occurs when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. It's not clear why this abnormal immune response happens. The condition isn't contagious.

Lichen planus can be triggered by:

  • Hepatitis C infection
  • Flu vaccine
  • Certain pigments, chemicals and metals
  • Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others)
  • Certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis

What are the treatments for lichen annularis?

Lichen planus on the skin often clears up on its own in months to years. If the disease affects your mucous membranes, it tends to be more resistant to treatment and prone to recur. Whatever treatment you use, you'll need to visit your doctor for follow-up appointments about once a year.

Medications and other treatments might help relieve itching, ease pain and promote healing. Therapy can be challenging. Talk with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits against possible side effects of treatment.

Corticosteroids

The first choice for treatment of lichen planus is usually a prescription corticosteroid cream or ointment. If that doesn't help and your condition is severe or widespread, your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid pill or injection.

Common side effects of topical corticosteroids include skin irritation or thinning where the cream is applied and oral thrush. Corticosteroids are considered safe when taken as directed and for short-term use.

Oral anti-infections drugs

Other oral medicines used in selected situations for this condition are the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and the antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl, others).

Immune response medicines

Severe signs and symptoms may require prescription medications that suppress or modify your body's immune response, such as azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), mycophenolate (Cellcept), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, others) and methotrexate (Trexall).

Antihistamines

An antihistamine medication taken by mouth might relieve the itching of lichen planus.

Light therapy

Light therapy (phototherapy) may help clear up lichen planus affecting the skin. The most common phototherapy for lichen planus uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light, which penetrates only the upper layer of skin (epidermis). Light therapy usually requires two to three treatments a week for several weeks.

This therapy isn't recommended for dark-skinned people, who have an increased risk of their skin staying slightly darker even after the rash clears up.

Retinoids

If your condition doesn't respond to corticosteroids or light therapy, your doctor might prescribe a retinoid medication taken by mouth, such as acitretin (Soriatane).

Retinoids can cause birth defects, so these drugs aren't recommended for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. If you're pregnant or nursing, your doctor may opt to delay topical retinoid therapy or choose a different treatment.

Dealing with triggers

If your doctor suspects that your lichen planus is related to hepatitis C infection, allergies or a drug you take, you might need other treatment. For example, you may need to switch medications or avoid offending allergens. Your doctor may refer you to an allergist or, in the case of a hepatitis C infection, a specialist in liver disease (hepatologist) for further treatment.

What are the risk factors for lichen annularis?

Anyone can develop lichen planus. But the condition most often affects middle-aged adults. Oral lichen planus most often affects middle-aged women.

Is there a cure/medications for lichen annularis?

A chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and mucosal membranes is Lichen Annularis.

  • Inflammation (swelling and irritation) on the skin or within the mouth is a common symptom of lichen planus.
  • Your skin develops an itchy rash as a result of Lichen Annularis.
  • Your mouth may become painful or burn.
  • An unidentified protein in the skin and mucosal keratinocytes is the target of inflammatory cells in the autoimmune condition known as Lichen Annularis, which is T-cell mediated.


Cure for Lichen Annularis

  • Although there is no known treatment for Lichen Annularis, Lichen Annularis is diagnosed by your doctor based on your symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and, if required, the outcomes of lab testing.
  • There are ways to ease your symptoms and hasten the healing process.
     
  • Steroids: Steroids are prescribed to combat inflammation on your skin or in your mouth. (For extreme situations, steroids may also be used orally as pills.)
     
  • PUVA: PUVA, a form of ultraviolet light treatment
     
  • Retinoic acid: A drug made from vitamin A that is typically used to treat acne.
     
  • Eczema creams tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.


•See your doctor if you experience any lichen planus symptoms. For the best treatment, a dermatologist may be needed

Symptoms
Skin (shiny red or purple bumps),Mouth (white patches),Nails (thinning, ridges, splitting),Scalp (Redness, irritation, and tiny bumps),Genital areas (bright red, painful areas)
Conditions
Swelling,Irritation
Drugs
Surgery,Liposuction

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