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Have you been waiting for Steven's book, Of Course You Can! to be available in a printed version? Wait no longer! The Second Edition is now available in print . The book is longer, containing additional content to help you build your business. And while you're there, you can explore some of Steven's digital art works. |
Lichen PlanusGreetings Herbalife Distributors, I hope you enjoyed our last newsletter on Arthritis. Do you know you can make a 20% commission by referring other Herbalife Distributors to Herbacall? To sign up as an affiliate, go here. Herbacall.com is the only website created specifically for Herbalife distributors. It's a great source of information, resources, testimonials, recipes, and advice to help you grow your business. It also comes with a fully functional Forum to share stories with the rest of the Herbalife community.Do you have an idea for the next newsletter? Would you like to share a story, recipe, or testimonial with your fellow distributors? Register at www.herbacall.com for more information.Have a great day! Steven List, Founder
Facts about Lichen Planus: Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin, the mouth (oral), or both. It may also affect the genital skin. Skin LP affects men and women equally, but oral LP affects women twice as often as men. LP occurs most frequently in middle-aged adults. The cause of LP is not known. While there are many theories to explain LP, most dermatologists believe it can be classified as an autoimmune disease. This means that white blood cells which usually fight germs begin to attack the normal parts of the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. There are cases of lichen planus-type rashes which occur as allergic reactions to medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis. Identifying and stopping the drug helps clear up the condition within a few weeks. Some people with LP can also have hepatitis C, and the dermatologist may check for it. Lichen planus appears as shiny, flat-topped bumps that often have
an angular shape. These bumps have a reddish-purplish color with a
shiny cast due to a very fine scale. The disease can occur anywhere
on the skin, but often favors the inside of the wrists and ankles,
the lower legs, back, and neck. The mouth, genital region, hair and
nails are affected in some individuals. Sources:
The exact cause of Lichen planus is not known. The pathogenesis of LP is immunologically mediated. Whether the foreign antigen is a virus or a drug is not known. Langerhans cells process antigens, which are then presented to T lymphocytes. This stimulated lymphocytic infiltrate is epidermotropic and attacks keratinocytes. During this lymphocytotoxic process, the keratinocytes release cytokines that attract more lymphocytes. This process has been referred to as the lichenoid tissue reaction. In addition, recent studies reveal a disruption in the epithelial anchoring system. Some drugs, such as those containing arsenic, bismuth, or gold
can cause a reaction that is indistinguishable from the rash of
lichen planus. Exposure to certain chemicals used in the development
of color photographs can also produce a similar rash. The long-term
use of the drugs quinacrine or quinidine (used for malaria, certain
microscopic organisms, and worms) may produce hypertrophic lichen
planus of the lower legs and other skin and body- wide (systemic)
disturbances. Other unusual causes of lichen planus include liver
disease and what is called graft-versus-host disease in people who
have received a transplant. Sources:
Lichen planus itches with an intensity that varies in different people from mild to severe. The onset of lichen planus can be sudden or gradual. The first attack may last for weeks or months, and recurrences may happen for years. Children are not often affected by lichen planus. The bumps at first are 2 to 4 mm in diameter, with angular borders, and a violaceous color. At the onset of the disease, new bumps may appear at sites of minor skin injury, such as a superficial scratch. An excess of pigment (hyperpigmentation) may develop in the affected skin as the lesions persist. Rarely, a patchy scarring balding (alopecia) of the scalp occurs. Signs and symptoms of lichen planus include: The initial attack may persist for weeks or months, and recurrences can continue over many years. Once the rash resolves, dark brown or gray spots may linger on the skin. These may be more noticeable if you have darker skin. Sources:
Most cases of lichen planus are relatively mild. Affected individuals who do not have symptoms do not need treatment. If the itch or appearance of the rash are unpleasant, topical corticosteroid creams may be of help. Topical steroid creams that, for example, are under wrapping or taped at bedtime may also be useful. For localized, itchy, thick lesions, injections of corticosteroids may be given. Antihistamines may blunt the itch, particularly if it is only moderate. This effect is in part due to the sedative effect of antihistamines. In more severe cases, physicians may recommend oral medications or therapy with ultraviolet light. Orally taken medications may include a course of oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. However, the itching may return after the drug has been discontinued. A low-dose oral corticosteroid every other morning may be also prescribed. With continued itching, ultraviolet light (PUVA) treatment may help. For painful lesions within the mouth, the use of special mouthwashes containing a painkiller (such as lidocaine) before meals may provide some relief. Any drug or chemical suspected of being the cause of the lichen planus should of course also be halted. Wih that said, treatment may include: Sources:
· Jennifer Vincke said, "I too have been treated for Lichen Planus in the past. My first episode appeared just over 2 years ago, starting with a small irritation on my gum line just above my tooth. Thinking I had a piece of popcorn stuck under the gum, I scrubbed with the toothbrush really well, which, the Doctor explained, only irritated it further and caused more harm. I had been seeing a Periodontist once per year since my diagnosis of gum disease 4 years ago. I naturally thought my gums were receding due to a recurrence of my gum disease...I began treating myself with Herbalife. I rinsed with Herbal Aloe Juice, swishing really well for a minute or two, then swallowed. Immediately I felt less tenderness. Then I took 1 RoseOx and2 Schizandra. I also use the Ultimate Green Program and continued with those products as well. The next day, I felt a little better. I continued to rinse with the Herbal Aloe Juice 2 to 3 times per day and I took 2 RoseOx and 6 Schizandra. Within one week, I was completely healed!! My Doctor called me on Tuesday to prescribe medication but by then, I knew I didn't need drugs! HERBALIFEAGAIN SAVED THE DAY!! ( I had a fabulous time at the wedding...I enjoyed the meal and danced all night with my family!!)"· Sandy Gunn tells Herbacall, "Basically it's of unknown origin and the sores were erupting in my mouth. This disease can last from 2 years to life. Steroids to clear the sores up was one option and the rest they are still looking into. It was explained tome as the cells were breaking down the tissue and muscle in my cheek and it would leave this very large angry looking open sore. I had a biopsy done and they called it Lichen Planus Disease...I have been on the Ultimate Green since July 1 and had my last sore July26, 2002 and have not had one since. They typically erupted every few days. I have even been eating tons and tons of tomatoes (being summer and they are home grown) and not one reoccurrence. I am so very pleased as I did not goon the products for this - I did it because I became a distributor - and since I did not have any weight to lose, to speak of, I too now have a testimonial."· Want more information and more Herbalife testimonials?
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