Lichen Planus Remedies

Olive Leaf

Posted by Yass (London, Uk ) on 04/04/2013
★★★★★

Please, anyone with mouth lichen planus, please try olive leaf you can swallow.

Borax

Posted by Gr8shpr (PA) on 05/30/2023

Borax…start there. And yes, I drink it! 20 Mule team dissolved in water. Sometimes I use just a pinch in my drinking water.

Borax

Posted by Live~n~well In Aptos, Ca (Aptos, California, USA) on 10/02/2012
★★★★★

OMG... Happy to be reporting back. I am what I feel is LP FREE!! Iv'e been using Borax 1/8 tsp 2x daily, since May 1, 2012 it's now Oct 2, 2012 and my mouth is beautiful, my stomach doesn't burn, and my below the belt has not had any reactions since May. I am now begining to reintroduce some of the foods that I couldn't tolerate and I'm doing back flips over my progress with Borax.

Based upon my initial reaction to the Borax, I cut the medication Placquinel down by 1/2 and 2 weeks later cut it out completely (I've also had tremendous problems with my eyesite due to the Placquinel).

I take B-6, C, fats (fish oils, tonalin, blackcurrant, & occassional evening primrose), magnesium, zinc, and Ultra H-3, MSM and HMB for my muscles (I do classical ballet 5 days a week at 47 and my training is intense).

The only thing I'm still struggeling with is YEAST... Does anyone have any suggestions for YEAST? I don't do sugar, fruits, or carbs, so I eat really healthy. I do drink coffee (1x per day) and I like an occassional glass of wine. Other than that, no sodas, teas, or fancy carbonated beverages. Its gotten really bad and I've had it now for years. I realize YEAST can lead to a number of illnesses and this scares me. Lately I'm more irritable then ever before, more congested (post nasal drip, lungs, etc), and more stressed out than ever before.

Any other remedies like Borax for LP to cure systemic YEAST? Thank you to everyone who blogs here. In deep gratitude for all of you, TED, and EarthClinic!!

Live~n~well In Aptos, Ca

Borax

Posted by Gr8shpr (Pittsburgh PA USA) on 05/04/2023

Borax…how I use it … dissolve it in water. The amount that doesn't dissolve (depending upon the temp of the water) will fall down to the bottom of a peri bottle (available on Amazon). A paste can be made and applied topically. I have even used borax to brush my teeth when oral is active.

Borax

Posted by Baldev (Mumbai Maharashtra India) on 07/21/2017 184 posts

Hi Siddeswari,

Sorry to read that you are suffering from LP for pretty long time. Aloe vera is good, you can continue taking it internally and application. Borax is very effective on LP which also should be used internally and for application. For internal use you can mix 1/8th tea spoon of Borax in one litter of filtered water and drink this water whole day, only precaution you have to take is that don't drink this immediately before and after the meal. I prefer that this be stored in a glass bottle.

Also you have to change the life style, meaning you have to avoid stress/strain situations, include some exercise ( you must sweat ) in your daily schedule and most important your diet. Your diet has to be more on the alkaline side, I will even suggest taking enema to clean the colon.

Good Luck

Baldev

Dietary Changes, Sage, Aloe

Posted by Milli (Leiden, Netherlands) on 01/01/2012

I battled for years - and still - with glucose intolerance and candidiasis after nearly dying of peritonitis (inflicted by a surgeon carelessly performing a laperoscopy. Went into hospital with vague stomach pain, came out with a punctured bowel).

Banish all sugar and yeast and living as close to nature as possible worked a miracle! Zero confidence left in the medical profession and pharmaceutical remedies. My best friend now suffers with lichen planus and has been prescribed all kinds of steroids and ointments that don't work and are too painful to apply anyway. So she turned to me, her 'witch doctor' friend and is now on the mend.

The immediate remedy for lichen planus in the mouth is sage, either chewing the fresh leaves or if this is too painful, brewing tea from it. (Fresh) Bayleaf may be added to soothe the throat. Rosemary is less potent than sage but also works and has the added advantage of being a breath freshener. Lichen planus on the skin is best treated, depending on the severity of the skin lesions, with 99% aloe vera gel (skin mildly afflicted) or honey poultices (put cold-pressed organic honey on a gauze and attach to the skin with hypo-allergenic plaster). Honey naturally is antifungal and antibacterial. These are symptomatic treatments, however.

Systemic treatment means banning all fungi (mushrooms, cheese, beer and wine - good quality brandy will be 'manageable' - bread, peanuts, unwashed vegetables etc. ) as well as processed sugar (i. e. Refined, including all sugar derivatives) though honey and fructose may be tolerated. Plus complementing one's diet with beneficial bacteria to restore balance to the gut flora, e.g. Acidophilus (present in bio yoghurt) and bifidus. Once the immune system is functioning adequately again, foodstuffs such as bread may slowly be added to the diet again so that the body's response may be monitored.

Please someone try this and let me know whether this is beneficial to you, too?

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Reema (Dallas, Tx) on 12/04/2009

I have Lichenplanus since several years, it has spread to various parts of my body and has left scars. I have tried all possible treatmens homeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy and have not had much succcess. Could someone please advice me on some remedy that may give me relief and reduce the scars. I am appreciative of any feedback provided. Do I try ACV, turmeric, borax, vitamin C, I am very confused as to the different theories behind this and remedies to try and get this problem under control. Please Please advice. Thanks Reema

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Liveinthepresent (Walnut Creek, California) on 01/02/2012

I was diagnosed with Oral Lichen Planus several months ago by my ENT. In reply to the oral manifestation of Lichen Planus, I can only speak for what has worked for me, but it seems many others share similar beneficial results. One common denominator appears to be pro-inflammatory foods, and I would add that another trigger seems to be stress.

I noticed many of my leukoplakia lesions quite literally "sloughed" off by chewing raw garlic all day (which has potent natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties). Garlic in combination with a vegetable and fruit (fruits like strawberry and blackberry) heavy diet seemed to keep my symptoms at bay, but once I introduced sugar and baked foods (a lapse during a holiday celebration), my plaques and lesions came back. I knew it had to be the refined sugars and processed carbohydrates because as soon as I eliminated them, and started chewing garlic and drinking green tea again, my symptoms went away (i.e. the oral lesions).

The other thing that seems to exacerbate my symptoms is fixation on my jaw/mouth, and stress. When I'm stressed, I have the bad habit of concentrating tension in my mouth, and getting dry mouth. These habits are definite triggers, as any time I fixate on that area, or have inordinate amounts of stress, physical symptoms appear in my mouth. When I take things to control my cortisol (things like L-Theanine with Relora), or work on relaxation techniques preoccupying myself by keeping stress away from my jaw and mouth and out of my body in general, the symptoms subside. The difference is a marked, pronounced decrease in Lichen Planus lesions and ulcers.

In combination, both stress relief and a strict diet that eliminates refined sugar and carbohydrates seems to be my "cure" if you can call it that. I'm conscious of eating a healthier diet now, and keeping stress at bay, as both appear to be a 2-pronged effective therapy. I highly recommend that people add garlic, and cool (not hot) green and black tea to their diets. I saw noticeable results doing both.

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Ej (Ballarat, Victoria) on 07/15/2017

I was diagnosed with oral lichen planus a couple of years ago and despite the specialist dentist (major hospital) telling me little could be done, I found his advice to be (thankfully) incorrect. When I enquired about the possibility of the condition being related to medication, he said it was 'possible' but 'unlikely' and 'too difficult to determine.' Not being satisfied with this answer, I researched various drugs connected with the condition and went through a process of elimination. The end result? I can confirm that my lichen planus was indeed drug induced and was also being exacerbated by a certain toothpaste I was using. Fortunately, the dentist in question knew about the link between amalgams and lichen planus, so I have started having various teeth refilled/removed as a result. I strongly recommend that people research matters for themselves, as we must become our own (health) advocates.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Brenda (South Dakota) on 01/04/2014

It is the end of the holiday season, and lichen planus has broken out on my trunk. I hadn't been bothered with it lately anywhere except my gums... Until eating extra carbs throughout the holidays. I didn't think about the connection until reading these posts. I am so glad that I found EarthClinic!

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl, USA) on 11/09/2008
★★★★☆

I'm 32, smoked 5-10 ciggarettes/day drank 5 beers/day for 15 years.

At 25 I was diagnosed with Lichen Planus... Doctors gave me cortisone cream, didn't help. Found this site a few months ago, and have done some independant research since. Ted is awesome, by the way.

This post is a little fast and loose, without sources.

Basically, ENT Doctors commonly use Baking Soda, Vinnegar, and Borax added to other stuff, and categorize these as anti-infectives.

It appears that DCA, which is currently being tested in Canada as an anti-cancer drug is a combination of Bleach, Vinnegar, and BakingSoda... which would seem to kill a bunch of infections.
*****
Back to my problems. 3 months ago: I've got a white tongue, with bumps on the side of my mouth. I usually wake up congested, but it clears before 10am. Often I feel congested, and that makes me want another cigarrette.

I played the watch the clock game, and cut my smoking to 1 ciggarettes/day (after 7 pm)(back up to 3). I cut my drinking to 1 day per week. I started running 2 miles per day. It didn't help with my problems, although I lost 20 pounds.

I THINK that I have this thing figured out... I will post a follow-up in a few months, if I'm cured.
******
Studying Ted's "anti-infectives", first I tried going alkaline (borax and baking soda). This cleared my lungs, but made the bumps in my mouth worse.

Now I've gone in reverse, with the Apple Cidar Vinnegar only, and the bumps in my mouth are disappearing.

So here's my theory. There is a mayo-clinic study from a few years ago that says that most chronic sinus problems are caused by a fungus. As I had a yeast-like taste in my mouth, it was probably Candida. I went to the doc, and got some fluconazole, since the baking soda seemed to be clearing my lungs. Success on clearing my lungs... at least temporarily.... however, the bumbs in my mouth seemed to be getting worse.

It appears that these bumps are a "secondary infection", probably bacterial or viral. Since one problem was cured, I switched to 2 TBSP or Apple Cider vinegar, 2x per day. I had an immediate outbreak of Lichen Planus on my fingers, which appears to be dissapearing completely after a week. Additionally, the bumps in my mouth are 50% reduced.

There was a new study that came out last week that said men have cleaner hands than women, and are less likely to get skin infections, due to their hands are more acidic.

This lichen planus stuff kind of looks like warts, with a dark(blue) center. Since I've been taking ACV... the center of this stuff is red, like it's healing.
******
So I think I had Candida with a secondary infection, and the secondary infection(Lichen Planus) is cured by ACV.

I need some time to completely cure this stuff... but I think I did this in reverse. First start with the ACV to cure the secondary infection(Lichen Planus), then clear the yeast infection (Baking Soda or Borax or Flucon-azole).
******
On the white tongue... listerine doesn't help, biotene mouthwash doesn't help. Flouride toothpaste doesn't help. Brushing my tongue with either Baking Soda or Borax or Both and/or combining Hydrogen Peroxide, will turn my tongue completely red.

It will turn white again within 2 days... I've got some kind of infection. This stuff seems to help, though. I've been very impressed with that 20-mule borax stuff, in spite of the fact that the white tongue comes back.

Borax is not to be feared, just follow Ted's small dosage. His dosage is well reasoned.

Eliminate Vitamin D

Posted by Dionisia (Chester, Sc) on 07/03/2020

I have 4 children and with each pregnancy, I took prenatal vitamins and my LP would go completely away. At my house, we drink a lot of milk and eat a lot of cereal and it does not cause me to break out. I think it is individual to each person.

I am very low on Vitamin D and take pills to bring up my levels but I do not have breakouts. I have been on all the creams and steroids and it did not work. I have been on Plaquenil and all types of antibiotics and they did not work.

Now, I am taking Methotrexate and Folic acid and I am seeing great improvements. Why are people responsive to some treatments and not responsive to others? It is a difficult disease!

Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Doug (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) on 12/07/2007
★★★★★

I tried your treatment. Vitamin K and D and baking soda. I also used borax for a couple of weeks but had such good results got lazy and quit the borax. I was two days from going to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary and was not getting better. My doctor told me not' to go.. Two days after starting treatment I had amazing results and now the lichen planus is going away. In fact the salt water in the ocean along with some sun and the treatment had amazing results. I was using all kinds of creams for itching and two days after the treatments started have not had to use any creams.. I still have a little itching but thats just from the healing of the areas. I also am taking grape fruit seed extract and that appears to be keeping any bacterial infections from starting. I am very thankfull. Doug. ps I have had toe nail fungus for four years and doctors did not want to treat. I see that I now have pink starting to show where the toenail starts growth... looks like it may be curing that also.

Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Quinn (New York, Ny) on 02/15/2011

Hi Gwendolyn, please clarify, I have lichen planus and I hear so many mentions of Borax (20 mule team) if I am not mistaken this is a laundry or cleaning powder? Are you saying drink this? I am not opposed, I just need to know if this is a part of the formula you are suggesting. I am simply looking for some sort of a solution to kill the parasites that invade the body causing these rashes to continue living. Thank you

CoQ10

Posted by janjamz (Richmond VA USA) on 01/09/2024
★★★★★

Oral Lichen Planus-

Here is the new study just in January 2024/ CoQ10

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10360223/

Hyaluronic Acid

Posted by Art (California ) on 05/07/2018 2326 posts

Hi RSW,

Just wondering how your hyaluronic acid experiment turned out regarding OLP? It's been about another two months, so I thought you would have a better idea now if the HA is helpful for you or not?

Art

Dietary Changes

Posted by EB (England) on 12/27/2022

Try making spelt bread rather than wheat, much better for you.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Kay (PA) on 05/30/2023

The flu shot, at about this very same date and time, set off my Lichen Planus. I reported this to the FDA. High fever (102); nearly a delirium; ER visit; high (very high) white count. Have been dealing w/Lichen everywhere in my body ever since.

Sulphur

Posted by B (Canada) on 06/12/2015

Guys, It's diet. I tried lots lots of things. The itching stopped and inflammation reduced great when I stopped eating dairy, wheat gluten, beans, nuts, eggs. Black pepper. Awesome! Try it b

Sulphur

Posted by Frank (Pa) on 07/07/2015

I have lichen planus and lichen sclerosis of my penis starting in 2013. I have found that a prescription salve works as long as you continue to use it. The salve is Alcometasone Dipropionate Cream 0.05%. When I stop using it after it heals up it flares up again. I don't have it anywhere else that I am aware of.

Comfrey

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 05/07/2014

I do not know the recipe the original poster used, but I can share how I make ointments/salves.

To make comfrey root ointment, you can put the clean chopped root (or dried if that is what you have) in a pot (Stainless steel or glass). Cover with olive oil. Heat on stove (electric is better as you can get lower heat. If you must use a gas stove, use a double boiler.) You want it just at a low simmer. Heat for 45 minutes or so. Strain out the root with a coffee filter. Add 1/2 ounce of beeswax for each 4 ounces of oil extract. Heat gently until the wax melts. Put a dab in the freezer for a minute or two and see if you like the consistency. If it is too thin for you, add a little more beeswax. If it is too hard, add a little more olive oil. When you are happy with the consistency, you can pour it into jars or tins. You can add a little vitamin E oil to help it to last longer. Or just store most of it in the refrigerator.

You can also just put the root in a mason jar and cover with olive oil and put the lid on it. Let sit for a couple of weeks. Then strain the root and heat the oil and add beeswax, etc. This is easier, since you don't have to sit and keep an eye on it. But, of course, it takes a lot longer. I am not sure which produces a better product. We have made salves both ways and they have been very effective.

Comfrey leaves can be used instead of the root if that is what you have available. I LOVE my salves that have comfrey in them. We use them all the time for so many things. (Burns, stings, rashes, bites, chapped skin poison ivy etc.) I also include plantain leaf, burdock root, and calendula flowers in the salve I make as an all purpose salve.

Let us know if comfrey root salve works on your lichen planus!

~Mama to Many~

Borax

Posted by Tammi (Buchanan, Mi) on 03/15/2016

I have used garlic gel capsules with good success in clearing up a yeast infection. 2 capsules a day until yeast infection clears up.

Borax

Posted by Baldev (Maharashtra) on 01/09/2016 184 posts

Hi Anjali,

It is not that easy to treat this condition by just taking the steroids, but unfortunately that is the line of action in the western medicine.

You will have to follow three prong strategy, control of stress, diet and external application. You have asked about the use of Borax, make a concentrated solution of Borax with water and apply it two to three times a day on the affected area, keep it for an hour or so and then can wash it. Also try to alkalize the body with sodium bi carbonate, apple cider vinegar etc. You will get good results. Good luck

Baldev(09322887066)

Borax

Posted by Siddeswari (Bangalore) on 07/19/2017

Hi Anjali,

I sugest not go for steroidal treatment for LP event hough it is mostly recommended by dermatologists, as it only relieves it for few months. When you stop your steroidal treatment (especially oral medication) it reverts and the lesions become more aggresive. I am dealing it with for past 7-8 years and this was my observation. Try to go for more natural remedies, such as use applying aloe vera gel and consumption of the juice.

Also, let me know if you have found some home remedy to treat.

Regards,

Siddeswari

Borax

Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 07/20/2017

Hi Siddeswari,

Tumeric has been found to be effective in healing oral Lichen Planus. Not sure what kind you have, but since turmeric is widely available, maybe give it a try, both orally and topically. Best wishes.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3961895/

Dietary Changes

Posted by Jennykk (Mansfield. Vic. Australia) on 10/31/2013

Report of my progress with Lichan Planus:- 2 years ago I had blistering and sore red gums, yes Lichan planus is nasty.

I was working with a naturopath, western medicine to me is sometimes toxic, my body is drug sensitive. I couldnt tolerate the treatment of rinsing out the mouth with predisonole 4 times a day.

In the recent dental journal in Australia, Lichan planus has been linked to amalgums, so I had all 13 fillings removed, and feel so much better for it, my immune system was struggling.

Some medical professionals say these fillings don't do anything, but if you grind your teeth at night, then yes they do cause problems.

The problem does not have a permanant cure, so keep off yeasts in all forms, especially beer, and sugars, and you will feel healthier, and the soreness of your gums will improve, and only use a herbal toothpaste, as a lot of toothpastes agravate the problem. good luck, Jennykk

L-Lysine, B-6

Posted by King Kevin (Illinois) on 12/07/2015
★☆☆☆☆

Yikes because the Dr. as well as me and my wife have narrowed it down to the lichen planus being caused by a high lysine dose...especially after you stop taking them...mine was 6 months after I stopped the lysine and my LP lasted close to a year after. Get .05% clobetasol ointment for the skin and a kenalog shot for the instant relief.

Haven't seen a bump in 3 years and have used the ointment twice in those 3 years. Only diet I live by is eat whatever you want so don't let people tell you to stop eating and drinking all your favorite stuff. I know I wish someone had said this to me when I was dealing with it. Just go to your Dr and ask for kenalog shot and clobetasol ointment. Done!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Debbie (Nobleton, Florida) on 04/18/2012

I have been fighting sores mostly on my arms for 3 months now. The inside of my mouth and tongue are very sensitive. After this long, I decided to research the condition because it just wasn't going away. I finally come to the conclusion that it has to be lichen platus. I remembered when I was a child, doctors used to recommend sulpher tablets for various issues affecting the skin, such as impitigo. I just went on the net and ordered some. I will let you guys know how it works. I have confidence.

Tea Tree Oil, Dietary Changes, Urine

Posted by Sativa Jones (Pahoa, Hawaii) on 10/18/2009
★★★★★

I was diagnosed two months ago with lichen planus. I have the rash on my ankles, inner wrists, underside of my tongue and inside the walls of my mouth. For the itch on my ankles and wrist I rub three things on the rash that immediately stop the itch. First I rub tea tree oil on it followed by olive oil (organic) and baking soda. This is not a cure for lichen planus only a treatment for the itch.

Diet is key to controlling the intensity of the rash. Basically you have to eliminate all sugars (including honey and agave) dont eat any bread or white rice no processed food etc. you have to get super clean on your diet. I have since gone 90% raw which helps alot.

I got rid of the bumps inside my mouth and the painful lesions on the underside of my tongue by gargling with my urine. I know this might be hard to believe but google "urine therapy" and you will see that urine has a long and ancient history of being used as a medicine.

Tea Tree Oil, Dietary Changes, Urine

Posted by Blackandmoore (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 09/10/2010

I found this very interesting been suffering with the rash on my hands, arms, feet, legs and lower back. I have been using Aloe, and had made those diet changes you talked about. However over the past few weeks, I have been eating more sugar and white flour and for sure it has flared up again. Thanks for your suggestions.

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 03/30/2009

As this disease is "supposedly harmless", I have spent a considerable time trying various treatments to try and cure various symptoms with mixed but mostly positive results. I think Ted is a genious, and I am eternally grateful to him, for the knowledge that he has shared through this terrific forum.
*****
Unfotunately, I feel I have too many posts in this topic, and so I lose some credibility; here is the real deal on my current opinion on this disease, and why I have had so much trouble curing it.

I feel that this is a candida-related disease. I have seen so much yeast come from my mouth, that I can't perceive it being anything else. I have seen a white yeast and also a brown yeast. And I have coughed up some yeast as well (from my lungs)(both colors).

In the last 10-years, with my smoking, 4x I have sneezed up blood(like a bloody nose, kind of). I always used to blame the smoking until 1-year ago(4th time), I coughed up a black bug(crab-like)... and I haven't had blood or congestion since, inspite of still smoking. I believe the bug was eating the yeast in my lungs.

Swallowing Vinegar cured my blue warts(on my fingers)(gram-negative anerobic bacteria?).
Swallowing 1/8th teaspoon borax cured my twitchy eye(Blepharitis); however, leve some dark lines where people usually get wrinkles.(is it Tinea, who knows?)

Cured some age spots(Tinea) with Head & Shoulders Blue (Selenium Sulfide).

Cured some un-itchy jock-itch/eczema with the H&S Blue.

As Psoriasis and Eczema patients are almost always Selenium deficient, I have convinced myself that I am Selenium deficient.

Had a Herxheimer-effect with Garlic (this stuff is awesome; has selenium), but wife and family complained I was stinky(on 5 super-garlic pills/day).

Cured a brain-fog issue with a b-vitamin(thiamin-deficiency?).

I think as a big beer-drinker, you are what you eat, and 30% of my calories came from a yeast product(beer), and so I got a yeast problem.

Except for the two days of brain-fog, I can't really say I've felt very sick from 10-years of this disease.

The last symptom I had... at 13, I had no Gin-allergy. At 21, I had hives on my neck from Gin. Last week, I had 1-bump from Gin on my neck... and none the next day. Juniper Oil kills candida(see Psoriasis topic). Perhap a yeast-infected thyroid-gland.
***********
Been mouth-washing with a dime-full of shampoo, 4x per day. I have a red tongue for the first time in 10-years. Been using a toungue scraper and taking 500 micrograms of Selenium Selinite as well, though. I am confident that Selenium deficiency will cure me. However, I feel bad that I have so many posts already in this thread. I will not post again for 6 months unless I'm cured, but will post in 6 months in case I'm not (for Historical Purposes). I will reply to questions though.

Today I felt like a million bucks. No smoking related congestion. I felt the best I've felt in 5-years. Doing all the bad stuff with no problems. However, I am not cured; so I have no right to give anybody advice yet. I have faith that Selenium deficiency is the root cause of this disease (Ted says MS is the same thing(White-Muscle Disease in animals)... I think he has this one right, and I was too slow to hear him. Impatience is frustrating though.

For historical purposes of symptoms, I have 7 cherry angioma spots that have popped up in the last year (never had them before), and fordyce spots(oil glands on the lips). These have never been associated with lichen planus or candida... but when I googled cherry angioma, I saw an accound saying someone got these when they had a yeast problem; they cured the yeast problem, and these didn't go away; so I wanted to second the report.

EC: Rich, if you'd like EC to remove any of your posts on this page, just let us know which ones...

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Marie (Doral, Fl) on 04/05/2010

Rich from Boca Raton:

Please advise whether you have cured you lichen planus and how?? I've had this for quite a few years now and it's frustrating! I can't believe there is no cure for this if it's so mild as doctors say! And no one can provide a straight forward reason as to how it comes about and a proper treatment aside from steroids.

To Reema, hope you have had some sucess with this, as I am at my limit with this!

Any feedback from anyone will help!

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Broset (Monroe, Mi) on 02/02/2011

Ive had this on my ankle now for about 8 years... Got real tired of this and started reading, .. first off its a inflammatory disease.

so for that im taking 3200 mg of ibuprofen 800 mg every 6 hours (anti inflammatory) a day which slows the imune response... Im also takeing vitimin A, D, and zinc.. And putting neosporin on it.. Also taking benadryl.. ibuprofen is the same as motrin but I think the biggest amount you can get is 200 mg...

after the first day swelling went down 95 percent, does not itch, and is drying up nice... also broke out on my hands which is almost gone now.

vitimin A helps with skin, you need vitimin d to absorb the zinc better, zinc also helps with skin repair.

dont do more then 50 mg of zinc a day

mine was so bad that it was oozing and bleeding on my ankle

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Billie (Ohio) on 05/26/2016

Did you get approval from a doctor to take 3200 mg of ibuprofen?? That is an extreme amount of Ibuprofen could cause gastric bleeding.

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Nina (Malma, Sweden) on 08/30/2011

I was rather fascinated by your post and think it is fantastic news that you and your family got help.

I looked up the Mcdougall diet as and didn't really like the reviews I read. Especially for those suffering from hypoglycemia etc. The site called give it to me raw reviews diet and I suggest anyone who thinking about trying this diet read some of the reviews of this high carb, zero fat and little protein diet. Here in my country of origin low carb diets and high fat diets seem to becoming more and more popular for dealing with not only weightloss but diabetes, high blood pressure and the horrible pms. This low carb diet is reccomended by doctors here, can't imagine living life without those yummy avacados or even worse without that amazingly healthy cocconut oil!

Peace

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Alka (Coppell, Tx) on 09/09/2015

Llp from Houston,

I know your post is from 2011 but I was wondering if you could update us on the latest status for your son and if you are still following the diet?

I was diagnosed with LP and LPP 9 months back and am struggling with it. I am on cellcept and also following a strict vegetarian diet for the last few weeks. My LPP seems to be better - the patches are lighter pink and I dont see any new patches. MY LP also seems better though I do see very very small bumps or just some rough skin in places and do think it is a very mild form of LP.

If you saw such wonderful results I would seriously consider following the McDougall diet.

Thanks and hoping you will reply.

Alka from Coppell, TX

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Gr8shpr (PA) on 05/30/2023

Flu shot 2017 sent me to ER and then to MD for Lichen planus and LPP.

DERM rx'd Betamethasone lotion at hairline and Rogaine. Now I have vulvar lp and I'm dealing with that.
It seems my lichen, in general, stays in control by eating AIP plan (Autoimmune Protocol) and borax.

Iodine

Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 01/30/2009
★★★★☆

I'm 2 days into trying "Betadine/Providone" as a mouthwash for the "Oral Lichen Planus", aka Gum Disease of the cheeks and tongue. This is similar to the cure for white tongue in another topic, which uses Iodized Salt. The Salt may work eventually as well. I'm very encouraged by the preliminary results though. Iodine kills candida and many bacterias as well. The protocol here is 40 seconds, 3x per day for 10 days. It's used for drug resistant thrush in Aids patients... and may aid in Gum disease.

The FDA approved perscription drug for Gum disease is Chlorhexadine, which as I said, kills ringworm as well, and is antifungal. If this iodine solution doesn't work perhaps I'll try that, but I have good preliminary indications that this will work.

Iodine

Posted by Mignon (Arnhem, The Netherlands) on 08/05/2012

The post is so old, but I wondered what the result was of iodine mouthwash for Lichen Planus?

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 01/08/2009

Dear PR,
Excellent Question about the Iodine. The truth is that I'm learning as I go. I don't know the answer, and am working on theoretical models, based on reading the reports on here, and then following up with my own research on why these cures seem to work, maybe 3 hours per day.

What I have noticed is that all of these substances on this website are anti-infectives. And in fact, they are all anti-fungals. No matter which anti-fungal I try, I get positive results.

With Garlic, I am taking a 1500 mg pill, which is really 3 mg of 500:1 concentrated oil. So it's basically 3mg of Fat-Soluble sulfer. I've read reports of a guy taking 80,000 mg (160 mg Sulfer?) of Garlic slowly built up over time, and curing rosacea. Nice. Perhaps a glucosamine Sulfate pill would get the job done instead... maybe. Note: Glucosamine HCL can't beat the placebo... so I don't think that the Glucosamine half does anything.
******
On the anti-oxident question, you're right that an Ascorbate or Acetate has both an anti-oxidant plus a pro-oxidant aspect to it. Vitamin C is very poor at killing fungus, but in ascorbate form, it can do something.

With the mega-dose of Ascorbate (which is also used in water treatment, btw), only so much will go in the blood... and the rest acts like toothpaste for the intestines. You can even brush your teeth with the stuff. Nice. Placed in milk, you can't taste it.
******
I'm thinking that the mouth condition is an early form of gum-disease, that may lead to "Chronic Mucosal Candidadis".

Apparently, Candida has a mechanism to break down lysine, which is a limiting amino acid necessary to produce collagen. So I've added 2400 mg of L-Lysine to promote faster healing.
******
I have also tried something new on Saturday with positive results. I tried to heal up my body as good as possible with all the vitamins and stuff listed above.

Then I gargled with a lot of colgate total for 10 minutes. I could see some fungally damaged skin and pockets of skin(common in gum disease) seep out of my gums and cheeks, and some white stuff that looked like fungal candida. This hurts, though.

Then two hours later, I tried it again. Then rinsed with diluted ACV(which also hurts).

What I think is that Sulfate is the best antifungal (Sulfur plus Oxygen), and that mixed with the H202(in the toothpaste as well), allows for deep tissue penetratation. Plus this toothpaste has a neutral ph plus an antibiotic.

Of course, after I did this, my mouth filled up with lots of skin-like white stuff, which I figure is your mouths natural-way of scabbing.

5-days later, it feels like I have a new mouth (perhaps I do). The toungue is light red(Yes!). The dark blue vericose-like veins under the tongue have practically vanished. The white lesions on the side of my mouth have improved somewhat as well. I believe that I have succeeded in healing faster than the candida can grow. I really wish I had bought some ph strips to test my saliva, though.

I have no doubt that I didn't kill it all in 1 shot, but perhaps I got 90 or 95% of it in 1 shot, and maybe if I repeat the process this weekend, I can get the rest of it... I'm giving my mouth a week to heal first, though.

But yeah, I've had a red-tounge that isn't turning white again for 5 straight days which is a record, so I'm pretty excited about the results (Note: I've had a white tongue for 10-years)(Never a yeast like taste in my mouth until a few months ago, though). I kind of wanted to wait a few more weeks to see if this is a long-term cure before posting, but I didn't want to leave your question hanging in wait.

In a gum disease topic here, I saw someone had some success with Turmeric. Besides the curcurminoids, Turmeric is high in Sulfur. Nice.

As for milk, it has a slightly acidic ph, but adding the ascorbate raises it. Milk has lactoferrin, Iodine, Sulfur, plus Lactose... if you drink milk and exercise, you can create lactic acid(which kills the yeast-form of candida), far quicker than acidophilus. Some people love the stuff, I haven't tried it, but I believe it's easier just exercising to create lactic acid and using the ACV cure(Acetate), plus the other stuff can kill this stuff in a couple of weeks, rather than waiting 6 months for the Acidophilus to work.

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Natia (Troy, Ny) on 07/09/2012

Hello my name is Natia n I was diagnosed with this nasty sick looking disease as well lichen planus has went from my breast down to the bottom of my feet I didnt no what it was I was sooo scared to be seen. It started in july 2011 didnt c dermo til mid sept 2011 but a friend seen it n was in shocked so he said use chamomile loction and I did n it dried it out alot but wen I got to the dermo they looked at me n said omg. So dey did a biopsy and diagnosed me with l. P. And the gave me mertronidazole. And I took 500mg twice a day for 30days n it was gone but the marks was there n started to fade. And its all over my body I dont think a man wants to look at me n I'm 30yrs old single with two sons.. So any way june 2012 its back- its on my feet in im jus praying to god that I dont suffer like last yr cus it messes with my mental smh so now I'm back on the mertro pills again and tryna change my diet cus from what I'm reading I c def no suger. Well I also need support n a cure so we need ppl to do more research on this n its prob one small thing that can kill this disease.. Well if we keep praying hard enough god will hear our crys.. Anyone can help me plz call I'm desperate at this point 518-271-1347 thx natia shim:(

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Monique (Bronx, Ny) on 12/23/2013

To Natia, I have LP as well. Mine are the size of quarters and they are all over my body except for my face. I'm 48 yrs old can't wear shorts or dresses anymore. When I do wear short sleeve shirts people stare at me. I know that my skin is ugly but I am a VERY BEAUTIFUL PERSON IN THE INSIDE. I know that it's hard to look at sometimes but don't give up OK. If you ever need to talk to someone email me at bigmo2799 (at) yahoo (dot)com. Remember, you are not alone we will get through this!! KEEP YOUR HEAD UP HIGH!

Dietary Changes

Posted by Penny ( Az) on 04/16/2015

Thank you, Julie! This is the information for which I have been looking! You have given me hope! Blessings!!! :-)

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 11/30/2008

Hmm... then again Pallagra or black tongue has a white tongue sometimes. Could be a Vitamin B defficiency or intestinal parasites causing the problem.

Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Steve (Hernando , MS.) on 12/13/2008

Good information I have been using Niacin time release 250 mg at bed time it is making me feel better this is true. I had to ignore the flushing side effect.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Savanah (Guelph, CA) on 09/21/2008
★★★★★

Drink 1 full tsp baking soda in a glass of water to take away the itch of Lichen Planus. Also when extremly itchy apply ice under a cloth, also I have tried Mr Clean Wipes with Antibacterial and they worked really well. Also just baking soda and water paste applied on the lessions and let dry against skin. One more is, I have applied the little yellow container of Carmex lip balm for cold sores to lessions and it works too. For my mouth I use Oracort Dental Paste that you dab not rub as it turns grandular if you rub it. You only need a ml size of it.

Eliminate Vitamin D

Posted by Docw (Los Angeles, Ca) on 03/11/2010

This is the strangest logic I've heard yet... You have no idea what is causing your malady, why would you toy with your calcium homeostasis? Has it occured to you that the waxing and waning of your disease is just that... Part of the natural course of your disease?

Just because prednisone can alter your level of vitamin D doesn't mean it did in your case and it certainly doesn't mean that the prednisone had no effect on your disease. In fact, Vitamin D is a critical component in dampening the immune response to your mucocutaneous lesions(lichen planus).

Stick with your doc, he knows best.

Borax

Posted by Alexander (London, UK) on 05/27/2008
★★★★★

I followed Ted from Bangkok's advice to treat my oral lichen planus with 1/8 teaspoon daily with Borax (not boric acid) & it has really worked. My Ph is not too acidic. Topical steroids did nothing & homeopathic remedies only a small (but appreciable) improvement. After 2 months the lesions on my tongue were totally gone & now after 4 months the deep striations/veins on my inside cheeks are hugely improved. This will be a long battle. Taking any more than this amount resulted in interference with my bowel movements & overly soft stools. I can now eat normally again though I minimise my sugar intake & steer clear of hot spices...I don't smoke or drink alcohol. Thanks Ted!

Borax

Posted by Gladys (Houston, Texas, U S Of A) on 03/04/2010

I have a bad flair up of Oral Lichen Planus. Have been rinsing mouth with Fluocininide Gel 60 gm 0.05% sol'n once every 2 days per my doctor's advice, but mouth and tongue are very raw.

You guys keep referring to Ted and his great advice - where do I find Ted or his advise? Also can each of you be more specific regards solutions that work- i e do you drink these solutions or just rinse with them?

Thanks,
Gladys

EC: Hi Gladys,

Ted is a popular contributor from Bangkok who regularly posts on Earth Clinic. You can find his remedies in the table of contents menu (if he posted any) under "Ted's Remedies" or on any Q&A section (also accessible on the menu).

Borax

Posted by Manjeet (Singapore) on 03/07/2010

Hi Gladys, I do not really know much of this ailment but I have successfully treated mouth sores, skin rashes etc with raw honey which is available in abundance in the US. Just take a mouthfull and with your tongue soil the mouth cavity and try to leave it in your mouth for as long as possible. Try this as many times as you wish and find it necessary. If, however, you are diabetic, just as a precaution, you might want to spit out the honey after having left it in your mouth for as long as you could. Hope it works - raw honey is a miracle product.

Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Gwendolyn (Littleton, Nh, Usa) on 05/03/2010

Hello Doug, Rawy, Gloria,

I also was diagnosed with Neurodermatitis which another term for Lichen Planus thru a skin biopsy. The Dermatologist now says I have Eczema and to live with it. I can not stop scratching it's unbearable and I feel like my skin is crawling and recently I would feel like I was getting bit. I started following Ted's recommendations. Raw apple cider vinegar 2 tbls with 1/8 to 1/2 tsp. of baking soda with a little water. Try to do this twice a day. I also have been taking 1/8 Borax (20 Mule Team) NOT BORIC ACID very important in 1 liter of distilled water. Drink thru out the day and when finished continue with good drinking water. This kills any "nanoinsects" I tried the methylene blue also read about this on this site! I have had this condition for at least six years. And am very anxious for it to be gone. Most of my Doctors have said it was caused by stress. Not giving me much hope and thank goodness I found this site. This is the first time in years that I feel like my skin is getting better. I feel like I have three different skin conditions going on. Yes I have eczema, but there are also patches of tiny bumps like a hives rash. The last is these red painful bumps that sometimes turn into pimples. If I don't scratch they go away. I may have parasites and this is causing the third condition. I have also started a candida free diet. Body Ecology is a good place to start. Also recommended is a thing called the zapper.Google it. Let me clarify Do the borax 4 days on 3 days off or every other day. Methylene blue I do eveyday and apply to skin this is a .01% solution with Vitamin C also.read about this!. Apple Cider Vinegar I try to do everyday!!! This has really helped! I also tried applying it to my skin. Burns and then helps with the itch. Another thing to help with itch is a high dose of Vitamin C (asorbic Acid!!!! only)5000 mg to 10,000 mg a day. I hope this helps Read all the Eczema posts! and Methylene blue. I'm also trying Tumeric for the red scars to heal! I'm also a user of food grade Hydrogen Peroxide but have not been using it during these methods but plan to go back to it soon!

I know your suffering and hope this helps!
Gwendolyn

Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Baking Soda and Borax

Posted by Irina (West Orange, N.j.) on 09/08/2011

I got lichen planus 8 months ago. Nothing helped until the doctor prescribed Clobex ( Clobetasol Propionate). The suggestion was to use this spray two times a day for two weeks. I only had to do this procedure for three days before the rash went away. I strongly recommend this medicine even though it is very costly. My doctor gave me a coupon which enabled me to only have to pay $140.00. I suggest if you have this problem to use this product as it is well worth the cost. Good luck!

LDN

Posted by Meera (Gold Coast, Australia ) on 07/03/2020
★★★★★

Taking LDN has put my LP into remission after two years of trying numerous dietary changes.

Black Seed Oil

Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 10/12/2018

Pure,

Do you drink the black seed oil and coconut/Vitamin E oil for LP on mucous membranes or do you have it on your external skin and rub it on? Thank you.

Black Seed Oil

Posted by Koko (DE (Delaware)) on 03/05/2024

How do you use it plz

Dietary Changes

Posted by Vicky (England) on 12/01/2018

Hi, how do you get your calcium intake if you have cut down milk?

Dietary Changes

Posted by Rhonda (New Zealand) on 07/03/2020

Take calcium tablets if u cant have dairy

Colloidal Silver

Posted by Annie (Usa) on 12/29/2017

Can Colloidal silver be used right on LP? How much do you drink of it for Lichen Planus?

Aloe Vera

Posted by Rose (Canada) on 03/02/2017

Claudine, that is great to hear about your results! One question- when you say you take a shot of it, what amount would that be?

Aloe Vera

Posted by Leslie (Los Angeles, Ca) on 03/10/2017

Can you please tell me which brand you are using? Thanks!!!

Aloe Vera

Posted by Marlene (So. Pasadena Fl) on 05/02/2017

I had a flu shot. Was taken off a two yr stint with Prednisone. I went into fever, chills, nausea, my skin eruptions. I actually have just started the Pure Aloe. I am noticing less inflammation.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Rozanne (South Africa) on 06/15/2017

Hi...please can you tell me is this 100% pure aloe Vera juice that you've been drinking?

Aloe Vera

Posted by Cheryl (Bradenton, Florida) on 06/18/2017

Can u tell me the type of aloe juice u use? And when u say a shot. How much is it. I have suffered from Lichen Planus since 2012. I have tried every vitamin regimen possible natural oils and creams to use, as well as numerous cortisone creams. Things had settled down to a manageable time until 2 months ago when I became over worked, stressed and a huge flare up happened over my entire chest, neck and under arm area. A new dermatologist is treating me with prednisone but it gives almost no relief. I wake up at 2:30 /3 am every day with insane itching. So I look EXTREMELY forward and hopeful that this may work. Any other ideas u have would b most welcome as anything may help my Bdy get sleep and relief. Thanks so much. Heading to buy some type of aloe today.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/18/2017

Cheryl, try coconut oil too. Spread thinly.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Elizabeth (Connecticut) on 10/14/2017

I see this conversation quite a while ago but I just found it looking for natural remedies.. this is what I found: Lily of the Desert. I don't know if that was the kind she used but it's a brown bottle and pure juice like she described and very inexpensive.

Probiotics

Posted by Bilal K. (United States ) on 04/04/2018

Could you please post a link to the product you purchased off of amazon.

I believe I am currently experiencing OLP and it's my first time ever. Thankfully it's not too severe, just had horrible dry mouth and burning. Doctor recommend Nystatin then moved to “Magic Mouthwash”, and they've helped, but I want to take care of this once and for all. Please do you feel like the products you got off of amazon will help.

Monolaurin

Posted by Amelia (Los Angeles ) on 01/20/2018

How long ago did you have it for? Are you still taking Monolaurin? I started taking it after seeing your post, I have it all over my body, I am afraid to use steroids ointments due to flare ups . Have your LP come back? How long have you been free from LP? Are you atill taking Monolaurin? Please help, thank you

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, Nc) on 10/18/2015 86 posts

What is the name of the homeopathic expensive gel you bought? Frustrated here.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Jyoti (Bangalore) on 03/13/2016

Is ur lichen planus completely cured?

Salt Water Baths

Posted 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

Salt Water Baths

Posted 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!!

Salt Water Baths

Posted 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.

Salt Water Baths

Posted 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 do

Salt Water Baths

Posted 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.

Light Therapy

Posted by Christi (Virginia) on 02/20/2017

I know this is a old post but I hope you can reply. I have been battling lichens planus for 4 months and like you tried numerous steroid creams and prednisone with no relief. I had to stop working due to my hands and feet becoming so raw and cracked and peeling that I couldn't wear shoes or use my hands. I, too, starting going to the tanning bed last week and it did seem to be getting better but then flared up again. How often and for how long did you go to the tanning bed until you got relief? Do you know what caused yours?

Sulphur

Posted by Abeera (Pakistan) on 02/17/2014

Hi, I am suffering from LP. It's all over my body, scalp and now oral, can u please suggest me how to use sulphur for oral lichen planus? I am so desperate by this LP. Please do inform me if there is any other remedy available easily in village side

Sulphur

Posted by Mark B (Seattle) on 08/11/2015
★★★★☆

Frank, how long did your penis lesions stay? And did they ever go away? I've had mine for over a year on and off :(

Sulphur

Posted by Abeera (Pakistan) on 02/18/2014

Thank u soooo mch, but is it available in Pakistan? Now it's spreading over my lips and so irrotating.

Sulphur

Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 02/18/2014

Hi Abeera,

I am so sorry to hear about the LP. I looked at the Carotec site and they do not ship to Pakistan. I found one site that ships worldwide but it looks very expensive:

http://blis.co.nz/blis-k12-throat-guard-daily-vanilla-blism18-deal.html#.UwPl6bK9KSM

The Jarrow lozenges were the best price, but I can't find any for sale now.

Maybe if you researched BLIS K12 and BLIS M18 you could find a store in Pakistan? I use the kind that contains both ingredients in one lozenge.

I am sorry that I don't know of an inexpensive place to buy these that ships to Pakistan. I will continue to search for you and will post if I find anything. Take care.