Lichen Planus is a disease of the skin, it is associated with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, and the cause is unknown. My dad was diagnosed with Lichen Planus ten years ago. His symptoms were raw sores on his scalp; and disintegrated fingernails and toenails that ultimately left only skin tips of his fingers and toes.
A few years ago my dad removed gluten from his diet (subsequent to my gluten diagnosis). Two months after he stopped eating gluten, his nails started growing back, and his scalp lesions began to heal. Currently, he has thin fingernails and a completely clear scalp. He is gluten-free and dairy-free.
The dermatologist who diagnosed my dad’s Lichen Planus took interest when the nails started to return and requested my dad attend the annual state dermatology meeting as a subject. The doctor’s report states:
“—long history of lichen planus of the fingernails started in 2004. This had progressed over the years until he had no fingernails left.—He decided to go gluten free and when he did, all of his fingernails started to grow back.” Reason for presentation at conference: “Interesting regrowth/remission after gluten free diet.”
Reactions from the dermatologists at the meeting were both positive correlation to gluten sensitivity and total scoffing at that possibility. If anyone is in doubt there is a medical connection, my dad says, “YES, there is a gluten connection!”