From Despair to Relief A Housewife’s Journey to 80 Percent Lichen Planus Recovery

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes, often presenting as itchy, purplish, flat-topped bumps on the skin and white lacy patches in the mouth. It can be both physically uncomfortable and psychologically distressing, especially when chronic or resistant to conventional treatment. This case study illustrates the remarkable recovery of a 34-year-old housewife from lichen planus, achieved through individualized homeopathic treatment at Life Force, under the guidance of Dr. Rajesh Shah.

Patient Background:

The patient (Patient ID: 49246), a 34-year-old homemaker, presented at Life Force Jayanagar Branch on September 22, 2022, with complaints of lichen planus for one year. Her primary symptoms included hyperpigmented patches on the abdomen and back, as well as bilateral white lacy lesions on the inner cheeks. She reported oral sensitivity, particularly to spicy foods, which significantly affected her diet and comfort. She had been on topical steroid treatment for three months before her consultation at Life Force, which offered only temporary relief.

Case Evaluation:

A comprehensive evaluation was carried out, encompassing both her physical and psychological makeup.

Physical generals:

Physically, she had an average appetite and thirst, with a preference for vegetarian food. She was sensitive to cold, had a normal sleep pattern (favouring the right side), and exhibited no significant issues with digestion or urination.

Mental generals:

Her psychological profile revealed a deep emotional sensitivity. Though she had a happy upbringing and a stable marriage, she was anxious by nature. She wept easily and expressed feelings of helplessness and fear, especially regarding the progression of her disease and the possibility of developing cancer. She was also short-tempered and emotionally reactive, particularly around her loved ones. Despite this, she had strong intellectual faculties and could analyze situations well.

The holistic nature of the case taking allowed Dr. Shah to identify the root causes of her condition and select a remedy tailored not only to her physical symptoms but also to her emotional state. A customized homeopathic treatment plan was initiated, accompanied by a specialized diet chart to support her recovery from oral lichen planus.

Here are some links on  Lichen planus and the scope of homeopathic medicines in its treatment by Dr Rajesh Shah, along with testimonials by patients.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8Umd9NdcdvrX5bh5XQnZaeOAcI0DdewB

Follow-ups:

December 13, 2022 (First Follow-Up):

The patient reported that her hyperpigmented skin patches had started to fade. However, a few new spots had appeared on her back and chest, accompanied by mild itching. Importantly, her oral lesions had shown significant improvement—there was no longer any sensitivity to spicy foods. She had also discontinued the use of topical steroids.

June 23, 2023 (Second Follow-Up):

There was a notable 80% improvement in her oral lesions and about 50% improvement in the skin lesions. The fading of hyperpigmentation continued, and no new skin patches were reported at this stage.

Treatment Discontinuation and Relapse:

Despite the positive progress, the patient became irregular with her treatment and eventually stopped it for nearly eight months. During this time, in May 2024, she began developing new patches on her chest and around the navel, with associated itching, particularly in the navel region.

August 24, 2024:

She reported new lesions on her lower back and between her breasts. However, older patches remained stable, indicating a partial relapse due to the treatment gap. The medicines were adjusted according to the current symptom presentation and dispatched to her accordingly.

January 9, 2025, to August 31, 2025:

Following the revised treatment plan, her condition gradually stabilized. By August 2025, the patient showed an overall 80% improvement, with a significant reduction in both skin and oral lesions. She reported no new eruptions, minimal pigmentation, and an overall sense of well-being.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the effectiveness of homeopathy in managing chronic autoimmune conditions like lichen planus. Through a personalized and holistic approach, the patient achieved significant improvement—up to 80%—even after relapses due to treatment interruption. Homeopathy addressed the underlying causes of her condition, targeting not only the physical manifestations but also her emotional and psychological stressors.

Unlike conventional therapies that may rely on immunosuppressants and steroids, homeopathy works by enhancing the body''s own immune response, leading to deep and lasting healing. This case reinforces the potential of homeopathy as a safe, natural, and effective approach to treating chronic inflammatory skin conditions like lichen planus.

The patient’s journey from discomfort and despair to recovery and relief is a testament to the power of holistic healing. Her gratitude to Dr. Shah and the Life Force team speaks volumes about the care and effectiveness she experienced throughout her treatment.

- Case study written by Dr Poornima P (Associate Doctor to Dr Rajesh Shah)