Teaching with Grace: A Teacher’s Path to Relief from Oral Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an auto-immune condition of the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by symptoms such as reddish, purplish eruptions on the skin with itching and irritation. And when it affects the mouth or genitals it causes white lesions. Common symptoms of oral lichen planus include white lacy lesions on the oral mucosa (cheeks, gums, tongue, inner tissues of the lips, and palate), burning pain, sensitivity to hot and spicy foods, bleeding and inflammation of the gums, and difficulty in talking, chewing, or swallowing.
 

Case Study:

On October 1, 2020, a 35-year-old man (Patient ID-43844) presented to the Life Force Jayanagar Branch in Bangalore with complaints of oral lichen planus, with which he had struggled for a year. White lacy lesions on the gums and inside the cheeks were the primary signs. A year ago, there was bleeding in the early stages of the disease; there is currently no bleeding. At first, he had genital lesions, but then they went away. He didn't have any genital lesions when he visited us. Steroid therapy had been administered to the patient for nearly a year.

His past medical history and treatment history were thoroughly reviewed and updated. His family history was also inquired about and documented.

A detailed case-taking was taken, considering both his mental and physical health.

Physical Makeup:

He was a non-vegetarian, had a normal appetite, and liked salty foods. He used between 3 and 3.5 liters of water daily and had an average amount of thirst. Also average was his sweating. Extreme heat did not go over well with him. His urination and bowel movements were satisfactory. He slept soundly and did not have any dreams.

Psychological Makeup:

Additionally, his mental health was assessed and updated. He had a happy childhood with supportive parents, and there were issues in terms of his relationship with his wife. He was gentle and courteous, but he wasn't very social and was an introvert. The patient had certain obsessive characteristics, such as double-checking to see if the door was properly locked, if the burner was turned off, or if the shower was turned off.

His intellectual abilities were also considered, with good memory, logic, intelligence, perception, and analysis.

After reviewing the entire case file, Dr. Shah prescribed medications based on an examination of his medical history. A diet plan to treat oral lichen planus was also given to the patient.

Follow-Up:

On December 1, 2020, the initial follow-up was conducted, and his condition did not show any signs of improvement. His condition had not significantly changed by the second follow-up on February 2, 2021. There were no new lesions, and the lesions remained stable. The steroid ointment was used by the patient as usual.

By May 25th, 2021, a slight improvement was observed in the lesions on the inner cheeks, and the lesions on the gums remained stable. The patient had also stopped using steroids, which was a significant relief for him.

Further improvement was noted in subsequent follow-ups. By February 17th, 2022, the patient was 60% better in both the lesions on the cheeks as well as gums. By November 10th, 2022, he was 80% better. By October 22nd, 2024, the patient was 90% better.

The patient was very pleased that he no longer required steroids and expressed gratitude to Dr. Shah and the entire Life Force team for the excellent outcomes achieved.

Conclusion:

Lichen planus can be effectively treated with homeopathy, which boosts the body's immune system for deep healing. Homeopathy ensures a long-term cure for autoimmune conditions like lichen planus because it targets the disease's underlying cause. It is free of harmful effects and safe to use.

• Case study written by Dr.Poornima P, associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah,MD (HOM)