Lichen Planus: Its Causes And Other Related Diseases

The many causes of Lichen planus have been explored and discussed by many researches and studies over the years. Lichen planus is that condition when one experiences having dry and lichen-like formations on their skin. These formations also appear on the tongue, so it's not restricted to the skin. Skin on any part of the body can be affected by these formations. Yet at other times, the condition affects the oral mucosa.
You should take note of the fact that lichens actually have no role to play in this health condition. Yes, despite the use of the name. That is to say, it has nothing to do with the fungi that tend to grow on tree trunks and that go by the name 'lichens.' The name Lichen planus is descriptive of how the condition presents, as opposed to being descriptive of the causative agent. This state of affairs can, admittedly, be confusing. After all, most of us are of the belief that when the name of a microorganism is used in a disease's name, then it is because it is what causes the said disease. That is not how Lichen planus works. Since Lichen planus have nothing to do with those fungal growths on tree trunks, you shouldn't be afraid they could lead you to have the condition. However, the growth on your skin or any part of your body could only be described as resembling those fungal growths on tree trunks.
Although many studies have been geared towards identifying the exact causative agents of Lichen planus, they have been met with relatively lukewarm success. It has, however, thus far been successful in terms of isolating and identifying things that are associated with Lichen planus. Their association with Lichen planus has been very close that it can be inferred that they actually cause the condition as well.
Some studies have shown that there are certain drugs or medicines that can cause Lichen planus to the person taking them. This allergic reaction seems to ultimately lead to this condition. You will notice that most medications used in treating arthritis and other chronic conditions actually cause Lichen planus. Patients who are also getting treatment for high blood pressure and are taking drugs for them also have Lichen planus.
It would also seem that Lichen planus is one of the many symptoms of the condition known as Hepatitis C. If the infection is noticed to be persistent or chronic, the Lichen planus itself is now considered as a complication and not merely a symptom. Lichen planus can also be a manifestation of the condition that is known by the name of Grinspan's syndrome.
It is not strange to see people who are suffering from persistent 'graft versus host' disease to suffer Lichen planus. They become especially vulnerable to it when they are stressed out. Lichen planus has further been observed in people who have dental fillings with certain materials (especially amalgam) done. It is also common to see children with hypothyroidism having Lichen planus. The ones discussed above are only a few of the many main causes of Lichen planus that occur to people.