A 19-years-old young male, Mr. R.M.V. (PIN: 21503) consulted for his Lichen Planus on the 16th of August 2013. He had developed hyperpigmented, scattered, & irregular spots on his ankles, legs, hands, & elbows 15 months back. After taking steroids (Oral & injectable), his eruptions had suppressed but they relapsed in the last five months. His eruptions were thick, raised, dark brown with itching, mainly on the ankles. Clinically, it was diagnosed as Lichen Planus. He had applied some ointment on it.

He was fair-skinned and had an average build. He was non-vegetarian by diet. He desired chicken and fish a lot. He didn’t like sweets. His thirst was average. He would prefer the summer season over the winter. His bowel was regular. His sleep was sound. He didn’t see any peculiar dreams. His perspiration was offensive, mainly seen on the palms & soles.

He was a student of 9th Std. His father was working in an IT company, and his mother was a homemaker. His grandfather was retired. 

He had tuberculosis infections in his past medical history. In his family history, his mother suffered from frequent cold and his father suffered from frequent cold and acid peptic disease. His paternal grandfather was suffering from diabetes and hyperpigmentation, and his paternal grandmother was suffering from IHD.

He was calm and introvert by nature. He liked the company and enjoyed spending time with his friends. He felt nervous. He had anticipatory anxiety.  
Dr. Shah had studied his case in detail and prescribed a research-based molecule to the patient.

On 8th October 2013, he informed that his relief from the complaints had started improving. All his spots turned dull in color, and his relief from itching had also improved by 25%.

A few months later on 31st May 2014, when the patient visited our center, his condition was under control. No new spots had appeared. But, he used steroids on & off from the last 3-4 months. He was advised to avoid it, & the side-effects of steroids were explained to him. 

On 2nd December 2014, when he gave his follow-up, all his spots showed an improvement and he was no more using the steroids. His itching had also reduced significantly. 
Later, the patient gave a follow-up on 22nd July 2015. His relief from Lichen Planus was better by more than 50%. No new eruptions had appeared. He was not using any conventional medicines for one year. 

After a few months later on 13th January 2016, he informed that his condition was good. His body was experiencing good results. No new eruptions had appeared. Also, his itching was under control. But, sometimes, mild itching would appear on the back of his ankles. His lichen planus spots looked dull in color. 

On 16th December 2016, when he gave his follow-up, his condition was good. But, the darkness and thickness of the spots on his ankles had increased. All his other spots were in good condition. 

On 4th August 2017, the patient informed that his condition was showing an improvement. No new eruptions had appeared, but all the mosquitoes-bitten spots had converted into Lichen Planus. His relief from itching was 50% improved. His acne was increased from the last 3-4 days because he was suffering from the gastric complaint. 

On 16th December 2017, he informed that his previous lichen planus spots were 75% improved, but some new eruptions had appeared on his ankles. He lived in a hostel so he couldn’t follow the proper diet. He was advised to do some blood tests. 

On 24th July 2018, when he gave his follow-up, his condition was improved a lot. All his spots, except those on the ankles, had faded. His relief from itching was also 75% improved. He was not facing any other complaint. Overall, he was doing very well with the treatment. 
The patient is still continuing the homeopathic treatment from Life Force for further improvement.

Conclusion:

This case highlights that homeopathy is highly effective in treating lichen planus to a great extent and safely without any side-effects.

-Written by Dr. Priyanka A, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah