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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staff
Lichen planus of the skin
A number of alternative medicines are promoted as effective treatments for lichen planus of the skin. The claims about these treatments haven't been substantiated by research. Because lichen planus goes away on its own in most people, it's difficult to judge the effectiveness of a treatment without carefully designed clinical trials.
Purported alternative treatments for lichen planus of the skin include:
- Aloe vera gel
- Lavender oil
- Tea tree oil
- Sulphur mineral baths
- Vitamin supplements
- A diet rich in fruit and vegetables
- Oral and topical herbal medications
- Cod liver oil supplements, a source of vitamins A and D
Talk to your doctor before trying an alternative treatment for lichen planus of the skin. Some alternative medicines or vitamin supplements result in serious adverse reactions when combined with prescription medicines.
Other forms of lichen planus
A couple of small clinical trials have suggested the benefit of aloe vera gel for treating lichen planus of the mouth and vulva.
- Lichen planus. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch116/ch116g.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Lichen planus. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_lichen.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Lehman JS, et al. Lichen planus. International Journal of Dermatology. 2009;48:682.
- Holzberg M. Common nail disorders. Dermatologic Clinics. 2006;24:349.
- Goldstein AT, et al. Vulvar lichen planus. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2005;48:818.
- Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/default.asp. Accessed April 18, 2010.
- Glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/gi-osteoporosis.asp. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Choonhakarn C, et al. The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus: A randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2008;158:573.
- Rajar UD, et al. Efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of vulval lichen planus. Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons - Pakistan. 2008;18:612.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2010.
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