The Treatment of Lichen Planus with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Case Report

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated skin condition with an unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. Its treatment remains controversial, with no evidence-based best practice. This case report explores the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in a 58-year-old male patient with LP presenting with purple, pruritic, lichenoid plaques on his hands, arms, torso, legs and feet. Over forty weeks, the patient received 23 acupuncture treatments and utilised internal herbal therapy. He experienced complete resolution of itching, lichenification and hyperpigmentation of his skin. This case illustrates the possibility of using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as a viable treatment for LP