Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails, often resulting in red or purplish, itchy lesions. While it is more commonly seen in adults, children can also develop Lichen Planus. Managing this condition in children requires a gentle yet effective approach, particularly due to their developing immune systems and the psychosocial impact of visible skin disorders. Ayurveda offers a holistic, non-invasive method for managing Lichen Planus in children by focusing on balancing the body’s doshas, improving digestion, and supporting long-term health (Sharma & Chandola, 2011).
This article explores Ayurvedic perspectives on the management of Lichen Planus in children, emphasizing strategies to promote healing, prevent flare-ups, and support the child’s overall well-being (Jaiswal & Williams, 2017).
Understanding Lichen Planus in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Lichen Planus is viewed as a manifestation of imbalances in the Pitta and Vata doshas, with a potential influence from Kapha. These doshic imbalances lead to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body, which manifests as skin irritation and inflammation. In children, this imbalance may be triggered by factors such as improper diet, stress, environmental factors, or hereditary predisposition (Mishra et al., 2020).
Pitta Imbalance: Pitta governs heat, metabolism, and digestion. An aggravated Pitta can lead to inflammation and redness, which are common symptoms of Lichen Planus (Lad, 2012).
Vata Imbalance: Vata is responsible for movement, including the nervous system’s responses. An imbalanced Vata can result in dry, itchy skin and erratic flare-ups.
Ama (Toxins): The accumulation of toxins due to improper digestion or poor dietary habits can worsen the condition, leading to chronic inflammation and skin irritation (Sharma & Chandola, 2011).
For children, managing these doshic imbalances in a gentle and supportive manner is key to controlling Lichen Planus.
Addressing the Root Cause: Doshic Balance
Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes addressing the root cause of Lichen Planus by identifying and correcting doshic imbalances. For children, this approach is particularly important as it seeks to restore balance without causing harm or discomfort. Here’s how Ayurveda views the management of doshic imbalances in children with Lichen Planus (Jaiswal & Williams, 2017):
1. Pitta-Pacifying Strategies
Lichen Planus often involves inflammation, which Ayurveda attributes to an aggravated Pitta dosha. To pacify Pitta, focus on cooling and soothing strategies in both diet and lifestyle. This involves reducing internal heat and preventing further aggravation of Pitta-related symptoms like redness, inflammation, and irritation (Mishra et al., 2020).
2. Vata Balancing
Vata imbalance contributes to dryness and itching in Lichen Planus. Children with high Vata levels may experience more erratic flare-ups, along with emotional disturbances like anxiety. Ayurveda recommends practices that provide warmth, stability, and nourishment to balance Vata. This includes a calming routine, gentle care, and grounding dietary choices that are easy to digest (Sharma & Chandola, 2011).
3. Supporting Agni (Digestive Fire)
Strong digestion, or Agni, is essential for maintaining health in Ayurveda. In children with Lichen Planus, weak digestion can lead to the accumulation of toxins (Ama), which exacerbates inflammation and skin issues. Encouraging healthy digestion through proper dietary habits is an important part of treatment (Lad, 2012).
Dietary Considerations for Children with Lichen Planus
Ayurveda places significant emphasis on diet, particularly in managing conditions like Lichen Planus. The following dietary guidelines are recommended to pacify the doshas, support digestion, and promote healing in children:
Pitta-Pacifying Foods:
Encourage the consumption of cooling, soothing foods such as cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens. These foods help to reduce internal heat and inflammation. Spicy, acidic, and oily foods should be minimized, as they aggravate Pitta (Mishra et al., 2020).
Vata-Balancing Foods:
For dryness and itchiness, include foods that are warm, nourishing, and slightly oily. This may include foods like cooked vegetables, whole grains, and ghee. Avoid cold and dry foods that can increase Vata, such as raw vegetables and excessive snacking (Sharma & Chandola, 2011).
Easy-to-Digest Meals:
Focus on simple, easy-to-digest meals that strengthen Agni (digestive fire). Light soups, well-cooked grains, and steamed vegetables are ideal for children with Lichen Planus, as they support digestion without overburdening the system (Lad, 2012).
Hydration:
Ensure the child stays well-hydrated with water and natural beverages such as coconut water or herbal teas that are cooling and calming. Hydration is important for maintaining skin health and preventing dryness (Mishra et al., 2020).
Lifestyle Modifications for Children with Lichen Planus
In Ayurveda, lifestyle plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions like Lichen Planus. For children, incorporating gentle yet effective lifestyle practices can help manage symptoms and support long-term health. Here are some Ayurvedic suggestions for improving lifestyle habits to balance the doshas and support the healing process (Jaiswal & Williams, 2017):
Establish a Routine (Dinacharya):
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of routine for maintaining balance, particularly for Vata. A regular daily schedule that includes consistent meal times, proper sleep, and time for play and relaxation can help reduce flare-ups (Lad, 2012).
Stress Reduction:
Stress is a known trigger for many skin conditions, including Lichen Planus. Although children may not face the same stresses as adults, emotional disturbances, changes in routine, or even school-related stress can affect their health. Engaging in activities that bring joy, such as gentle play, art, or spending time in nature, can help reduce stress (Mishra et al., 2020).
Promote Restful Sleep:
Restorative sleep is essential for healing. Ensure the child gets adequate sleep by establishing a calming bedtime routine. This could include dimming the lights, reading a story, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed. Proper sleep helps balance Vata and supports the body’s natural healing processes (Sharma & Chandola, 2011).
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Lichen Planus in Children
Managing Lichen Planus in children with Ayurveda requires a holistic approach that goes beyond symptom control. By focusing on balancing the doshas, supporting digestion, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Ayurvedic practices provide a nurturing and effective way to manage this chronic condition. Through gentle dietary adjustments, stress management, and the incorporation of regular routines, children with Lichen Planus can experience improved skin health and overall well-being.
Ayurveda’s individualized and non-invasive approach makes it especially suited for children, offering long-term strategies to manage and prevent flare-ups while supporting the child’s overall growth and development (Lad, 2012).
2. Gorouhi F., Davari P., Fazel N. Cutaneous and mucosal lichen planus: a comprehensive review of clinical subtypes, risk factors, diagnosis, and prognosis. Sci World J. 2014 Jan 30;2014 doi: 10.1155/2014/742826. PMID: 24672362; PMCID: PMC3929580. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
3. Boch K., Langan E.A., Zillikens D., Ludwig R.J., Kridin K. Retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes in vulval lichen planus: results from a single-centre study. J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;48(12):1913–1917. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.16191. Epub 2021 Oct 19. PMID: 34668211. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
4. Arnold D.L., Krishnamurthy K. StatPearls [internet]. Treasure island (FL) StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. Lichen planus. 2022 Aug 21. PMID: 30252382. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
6. Ioannides D., Vakirlis E., Kemeny L., Marinovic B., Massone C., Murphy R., Nast A., Ronnevig J., Ruzicka T., Cooper S.M., Trüeb R.M., Pujol Vallverdú R.M., Wolf R., Neumann M. European S1 guidelines on the management of lichen planus: a cooperation of the European Dermatology Forum with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Jul;34(7):1403–1414. doi: 10.1111/jdv.16464. PMID: 32678513. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
16. Ratha K.K., Barik L., Panda A.K., Hazra J. A single case study of treating hypertrophic lichen planus with Ayurvedic medicine. Ayu. 2016 Jan-Mar;37(1):56–61. doi: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_1_16. PMID: 28827956; PMCID: PMC5541468. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
17. Pandey O., Makwana S., Bedarkar P. Ayurvedic management of Lichen simplex chronicus-A case report. Annals of Ayurved. Med. 2020 Oct 23;9(3):220. [Google Scholar]
18. Makwana S.M., Kapadiya M.M., Bedarakar P., Patgiri B.J. A case report of chronic lichen planus Pigmentosus treating with Ayurveda management. Annals of Ayurved. Med. 2020 Sep 7;9(1):44. [Google Scholar]
