About this topic
Lichen planus is a skin problem that causes an itchy rash. This rash can happen on the skin or in the mouth. It can also happen on the scalp, nails, and genitals. This condition does not spread from person to person. It is not contagious. This problem most often goes away within 18 months to 2 years. Sometimes, it can come and go for weeks, months, or years. ‚
What are the causes?
Doctors are not sure what causes lichen planus. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to get this illness if you are a middle aged adult. Women get this illness in their mouths more often than men do. You may have an increased chance of getting this disease if you have problems like hepatitis C. One kind of this disease runs in families. ‚
What are the main signs?
Your signs will depend on where the disease appears on your body. ‚
- Skin rash
- May appear on inner wrists, ankles, legs, trunk, or genitals
- Solid, shiny, raised bumps that are up to 1 to 2 cm in size and have sharp edges
- Rash is even on both sides
- May form blisters or ulcers
- Rash may be Itchy, scaly, dark or red-purple in color
- May be covered with white streaks or scratch marks (Wickhams straie)
- Pain with sex if rash is on genitals
- Mouth rash
- May appear on inside of cheeks, sides of tongue, gums, lips
- Blue, white rash or pimples that look like lace
- Gums may peel
- Ulcers
- Pain and soreness
- Dry mouth or metallic taste in mouth
- Nails
- May have rIdges and grooves
- May become thinner and split or thicker and darker
- May become loose, stop growing, or fall off
- Scalp
- May have tiny, red bumps or scarring
- Thin hair or losing patches of hair
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will look at the area of the body where you have the rash. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is no cure for lichen planus. It most often goes away on its own. Doctors may offer treatment to ease signs and speed healing. ‚
- Numbing mouthwashes
- Ultraviolet light therapy
- Retinoic acid to clear up the skin
- Cool cloths or oatmeal baths to ease pain and itching
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relieve itching
- Suppress the immune system
What problems could happen?
This can lead to gum disease. In some cases, ulcers in the mouth can turn into oral cancer. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing that can be done to prevent this problem. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/i---l/lichen-planus ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/229/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lichen-planus/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚