I've had lichen planus for the last 4 years now. It started in 2010 when I was 25 years of age and got worse and worse. I trusted doctors a lot at the time, untill they told me they dont' know much about this condition. Put me on antihystamine pills and cortisone creams which made my condition a gazillion times worse.
This is when I realized I need to take things into my own hands, the first thing that really helped me was I stopped drinking milk. This helped, not a lot but a little. Then I started eating a ton of honey, which is a natural antibiotic. I did this because honey is mentioned in the Quran and it has healed a lot of people. This helped a lot. The last thing that completely got rid of my lichen planus was a swim in the oceans of Hawaii. After my Hawaii trip, my lichen planus really died down. I realized the salt water worked wonders on my skin.
Since then I have not broken out into lichen planus. In the recent few months 2 new lesions have appeared on my thigh which I have not treated with any chemicals except for extreme salt water baths which flatten the lesions immediately. I also take vitamins that enhance the immune system. (More zinc and vitamin C)
I hope this helps someone out. Try not to make things too complicated and definitely try the salt water baths
Replied By Penny ( Az) on 04/16/2015
Sophie, thank you! We went to Mexico and while there my intuition told me to get in the ocean water for my lichen planus, which was all over my back and various other places. I did that, and it got lighter, and within a few weeks it disappeared!! Wooohooo!! :-) I heartily recommend getting your body in the ocean as a remedy for lichen planus!! :-)Replied By Gale (Nb, Canada) on 12/09/2015
Sophie, thanks. I am going to try this. I too have this "lovely condition" and believe you heal from within. ( I refuse to use steroids) It is nice to hear I am not alone. Sad we have it, but comforting to be able to share with others. I am using TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herbs and am a reflexologist, vitamins and lots of water daily . I am menopausal and working on that :)
Thanks again, Gale
Replied By Sophie (Edmonton, Canada ) on 02/28/2016
Hey, just wanted to update everyone with my lichen planus remedies.
Since my last outbreak on my thigh, I have another outbreak all over. This time around I wasn't able to get to the ocean :( but I have tried several other things. as of late I have been using frankincense and lavender essential oils mixed into a fragrant free all natural lotion. This has helped with the itching dramatically. Also I have incorporated turmeric pills. There was a study done that showed 9/10 people were cured from trumeric. As you all must know turmeric has known to help with inflammatory conditions and also helps with diseases in your digestive tract. As long as your gut is clean the rash will stay away. Try it out!
Replied By Cynthia (Maryland) on 04/24/2016
I have had lichen planus for over 4 yrs. I have gone to 3 different dermatologists, biopsies have been taken to confirm, steroid creams given, etc., & to no avail NO CURE. What types of salt water baths? Should I use Epsom salt or can you inform me what kind of salt. The honey would not be good for me because I have diabetes..Pls any suggestion to help would be much appreciated..Thank You!!Replied By Evelyn (Marshall) on 04/28/2016
Cynthia,
Epsom salt would be the easiest thing to start with. You can buy Dead Sea salt on line. Look for a brand with good reviews.
Replied By Isabel (Florida) on 01/05/2017
I did this and it got worse for me. I'm in distress and I don't know what to doReplied By Amelia (Los Ãngeles ) on 01/28/2018
I have been recently diagnose with Lichen Planus and I am very sad. I am using aloe Vera gel on body, taking Monolaurin supplements, taking Dead Sea salt bath, using Triamcinolone and Tacrolimus ointment ( not too often though, mayb once a day ) . The dr recommended PUVA light, and I am have not done it but I would like to get a feedback. I don't know what to do, the scars are very ugly . It started on the sole of my foot and it has been spreading on my body. I am very scared and pray to the Lord to heal me. I will appreciate any advise. I purchased Dead Sea Mud and I hope it can help. I just ordered it.Replied By Glenn (Cedar Rapids IA) on 06/08/2022
Sophie, I also discovered my own treatment for lichen planus. I started getting it on my lower legs and arms in my 30s, and it would appear mid-winter and disappear in the summer. This cycle repeated annually from my 30s into my 50s, but not every year. Then one year it didn't go away in the summer. I mentioned it to my doctor (an internist) who inspected it, looked it up on her version of webmd, and agreed with my self-diagnosis. She referred me to a dermatologist, who took a biopsy, prescribed a steroid cream and said come back in two weeks. Two weeks later, he seemed surprised that my legs looked so good so quickly after using the cream. I told him I had a free afternoon after business meetings in Ft Walton Beach FL so waded in the gulf for about a mile in each direction, and my legs looked better. He smiled knowingly and said “saltwater, and particularly sea water, is very therapeutic for people with skin conditions”. Five days in Playa del Carmen cleared it up completely and I've managed to get to the ocean once a year since then. With covid travel restrictions it has been more difficult to get to the beach but I've been taking regular Epsom salt baths and that seems to keep it at bay. Last year it showed up again on my gums so maybe it's time to return to the ocean.