HELLO PUSHPA,
Lichen Planus is a rare autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles , especially in the scalp. The inflammation destroys the hair follicle permanently- leading to scarring and irreversible hair loss.
KEY FEATURES -patchy hair loss with redness, itching, burning or pain - follicular plugging- scalp looks like small dots or bumps -shiny patches of scalp with no hair follicles- sign of permanent scarring
It’s considered a type of scarring alopecia and a variant if Lichen planus, which can also affect the skin or mucous membranes
In Ayurveda, LPP is viewed as a complex disease involving -vitiation of pitta and vata doshas - involvement of Rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and Mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue) -A condition called Khalitya + Raktadushti + Darunaka + Indralupta aspects
It is chronic and Tridoshaja , especially dominated by Pitta (Inflammation) and Vata (Destruction, dryness, degeneration)
SYMPTOMS YOU ARE EXPERIENCING -patchy hair loss on scalp - redness or inflamed areas -burning or painful sensation in scalp - itchy or tender scalp - no regrowth in some areas(scarring
INVESTIGATIONS NEEDED -Scalp biopsy= most important to confirms LPP diagnosis -Trichoscopy(dermoscopy)- magnified look at scalp -Blood test -ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies) -ESR, CRP (inflammation markers) - Thyroid profile (autoimmune thyroiditis) - Vitamin D, B12 - Iron studies
TREATMENT GOAL -stops or slow down progression of scarring -control inflammation-reduce burning, itching, redness - purify blood and reduce autoimmune response - promote regrowth in non scarred areas - rejuvinate and nourish scalp tissues - prevent recurrence
DETOX THERAPY- if feasible go for panchakarma= best results in cases like yours
-VIRECHANA= purgation =clears excess pitta from liver ,blood and skin. very effective for LPP
-BASTI= especially effective for chronic autoimmune conditions. vata- pacifying basis rejuvinate scalp tissues
-RAKTAMOKSHANA(leech therapy)= useful in active, inflamed patches, reduces burning , pain, and promotes healing
INTERNAL MEDICINES= to be taken for at least 3-6 months
1) KAISHOR GUGGULU= 2 tabs twice daily after meals with warm water =reduces inflammation, purifies blood
2) AROGYAVARDHINI VATI= 1 tab twice daily after meals with water = supports liver detox and skin health
3) MAHAMANJISTHADI KASHAYA= 20 ml twice daily with warm water before meals = excellent blood purifier, acts on skin and scalp inflammation
4) GUDUCHI CAPSULES= 1 cap. twice daily after meals =immunomodulatory, helps correct autoimmunity
5) BRINGARAJ CAPSULES= 1 cap twice daily in morning and at night = hair tonic, supports regrowth in early stages
6) TRIPHALA= 1 tsp with warm water at bedtime =gentle detox, and digestive support
7) BRAHMI VATI= 1 tab at bedtime = reduces stress, calms autoimmune flare ups
EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS
-NEELIBRINGADI TAILA= apply warm oil to scalp, leave for 1 hour then wash = 3 times/week= use for long term
-DURVADI TAILA= good for active inflammation, alternate days until redness reduces
-KUMKUMADI TAILA= for pigmentation, inflammation only at night, few drops to patches
HERBAL HAIR WASH
BOIL AND COOL -AMLA+ REETHA+SHIKAKAI powder(1 tsp each in 1-2 cups water) -strian and use as a mild cleanser
ALSO= ALOEVERA GEL + NEEM WATER RINSE
LEPA -Manjistha+ neem + sandalwood with cow milk or rose water =leave for 45 min then wash use 2-3 times/week
-JATYADI LEPA= for inflamed skin, ulcerated patches
-SIDDHA TAILA + RASOTHAMADI LEPA= once in 10 days
DIET TO BE FOLLOWED -fresh fruits=pomegranate , sweet grapes, amla - Vegetables= bottle gourd, ridge gourd, ash gourd, leafy greens - mung dal -light and etoxifying - rice, whole wheat - cow ghee-small amount, especially medicated ghee - coconut water - turmeric, coriander, fennel, cumin in cooking
AVOID -spicy, sour, fermented foods- pickles , vinegar - deep fired, oily, heavy-to-digest food - over consumption of salt - tea, coffee, alcohol, smoking - excess curd, cheese, panner - non veg food (esp red meat), at least during treatment
LIFESTYLE + YOGA + PRANAYAM
YOGA( 5-20 minutes daily) helps regulate immunity and nervous system. focus on gentle, cooling, and anti stress practices -balasana -shashankasana -viparita karani - supta baddha konasana
PRANAYAM -nadi sodhana -sheetali/sheetakari -bhramari
AVOID -over exertion - over heating - excessive sun exposure - irregular sleep
LONG TERM MANAGEMENT
-BE PATIENT= hair loss due to LPP is often irreversible in scarred areas. but progression can be slowed and some regrowth is possible in early, non scarred follicles
-Early intervention is crucial
-Stress is a major trigger-managing it is as important as medications
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY
THANK YOU
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Ashwagandha capsule Giloyghan vati 1 tab each after food with lukewarm water Triphala churna-1 tsp with warm water at night Bringaraja taila - for massaging hair Avoid chemical based shampoos
For dealing with lichen planus hairfall, an autoimmune condition, Ayurveda offers various natural approaches focusing on balancing the body’s doshas, particularly if there’s excess pitta, which can manifest as inflammation and skin issues, including lichen planus. First off, maintaining a pacifying diet is integral. Incorporate cooling and soothing foods like cucumber, watermelon, and coconut water, and reduce spicy and acidic foods which can exacerbate pitta imbalance. Meals should be regular and small, promoting proper digestion and assimilation.
To enhance scalp health, a gentle, regular oil massage can be beneficial. Consider using medicated oils like Bhringraj or Bringamalakadi oil, which are traditionally used in Ayurveda, applied twice a week on the scalp to nourish the hair follicles. Apply these oils gently and leave for an hour before rinsing off, using lukewarm water. This may promote blood circulation and reduce dry, scaly patches on the scalp associated with lichen planus.
Herbs play an essential role too. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can be ingested in moderate amounts—add a pinch of turmeric to warm milk or use it in your cooking. Another herb, Amla (Indian gooseberry), can be significant due to its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. A daily intake of Amla juice or powder can potentially help strengthen the immune system and improve skin health.
Digestive health, or ‘agni,’ is paramount in Ayurveda. Maintaining robust agni can be achieved by consuming warm water throughout the day to flush out toxins, aiding in balancing the immune response. Avoid cold foods or drinks as they can dampen digestive fire.
Additionally, stress management is crucial, as stress can trigger or worsen autoimmune responses. Incorporate Ayurvedic practices like relaxation or Pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation daily. This can calm the mind and body, and reduce stress levels significantly.
While these Ayurvedic remedies can offer support in managing lichen planus, it’s vital to continue monitoring the condition and consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner especially for individualized treatment tailored to your specific needs. Balancing Ayurveda with any existing medications or treatments should be done cautiously. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking further medical advice is always recommended.
1 Bhringamalakadi Taila - extly apply and massage for 10 min. 2 times
2 Jeevamrita Leha or Chyavanaprasha Leha-1 tsf after food 2 times with milk
3.Shuddha Shilajatu-250mg+ Saptamrita Loha - 500mg+ bhringaraja Churna -3gm after food 2 times with honey and ghee Diet and Lifestyle Pathya: Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, nutritious food, adequate sleep Apathya: Avoid salt, sugar, tobacco, and alcohol. Overconsumption of salt and sugar increases dandruff and hairloss. Avoid large amounts of vitamin A Avoid strong soaps, shampoo or hair sprays. Only use mild castile soaps. Hats and wigs are apt to cause hair to fall out faster, since they limit the air to the scalp.
Avoid tension, stress, worry and hurry.
Hello Pushpa ji, Treatment - 1.Amalaki rasayan -5gm twice a day after lunch and dinner 2. Bhringraj tablet 2-0-2 after meals. 3. Badam Rogan oil - 2-2 drops in each nostril either in the morning empty stomach or at bedtime. 4.For hair growth - Castor oil mixed with coconut oil- Apply on the hair and massage gently.Use twice a week. 5. For dandruff - Tankan bhasma -5gms - Mix it with coconut oil and apply on hair ,leave for 2-3 hours and then shampoo
. Boil 1 spoon of triphla powder in 2 glasses of water,let it cool then use this for hairwash once a week.
Diet- Eat antioxidant and vitamin c,E rich diet . Eat amla, spinach,dates, soaked and peeled almonds. Avoid fast food, oily food. Yoga- Anulomvilom,Adhomukhashavasan, Uttanasan Lifestyle modifications - Take atleast 7 hours of sound sleep. Stress management -Through meditation walking journaling gardening Follow these and you will definitely get results. Follow up after 15 days. Regards, Dr. Anupriya
Lichen Planus causing hairfall, particularly as alopecia, can indeed be approached with Ayurvedic principles, yet it’s crucial to tread carefully due to its autoimmune nature and potential for scarring. Conventionally, modern medicine aims at suppressing immune response with steroids, which you are using. In Siddha-Ayurveda, the emphasis would be on calming the aggravated doshas, specifically trying to balance pitta dosha, as it often governs skin and hair health issues.
Firstly, addressing your dietary habits is pivotal. Avoid pitta-increasing foods – such as spicy, very sour, and excessively salty foods. Favor a diet with cooling, soothing items: sweet fruits, vegetables like cucumber, pumpkins, and fresh coconut water can be beneficial. Hydration with pitta-pacifying herb-infused water like coriander or cumin seeds might help, ideally consumed at room temperature.
From an herbal perspective, you might consider Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in the form of oil or a hair pack, known for its pacifying effects on pitta and calming the mind, which often influences autoimmune conditions. Applying such herbal formulations gently onto the scalp could reduce inflammation and promote a conducive environment for hair follicles. Yet, ensure you test a small patch first due to sensitivity risks.
As for lifestyle, integrating stress management practices, like daily meditation or gentle yoga, specifically Sheetali pranayama, encourages soothing of the body and mind. Rest is essential. Ensure adequate sleep, as it plays a crucial role in immune modulation.
Remember, coordination with your healthcare provider is imperative. Thoroughly consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to tailor these suggestions to your unique prakriti and ensure safety. Sudden discontinuation of any advised treatment without professional guidance is not advocated. With a focused approach, you might find relief through holistic management.
