8. Vaccinations: A Double-Edged Sword in Relation to Lichen Planus
Vaccinations, hailed as modern medicine’s triumphs, occasionally present unexpected twists. While they guard against numerous diseases, in rare instances, they might be associated with LP’s onset.
This isn’t to villainize vaccines. Their benefits overwhelmingly outweigh their risks. But it’s crucial to understand that like any medical intervention, vaccines can have side effects. LP, although rare, might be one of them.
The theory? Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system. This heightened immune response, while protective against specific diseases, might inadvertently trigger an autoimmune response in some, possibly leading to LP.
Such occurrences are sporadic. In the vast sea of people getting vaccinated, only a minuscule fraction might develop LP as a reaction. However, even within this fraction, drawing a direct cause-effect relationship is challenging. (8)
