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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Use numbing mouthwashes if the problem is in your mouth.
- Use cool damp cloths or soak in an oatmeal bath to help ease pain and itching.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to a skin specialist called a dermatologist. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relieve itching
- Suppress the immune system
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activity should not be limited unless activities worsen your problem. If this rash in on the vagina or genitals, you may want to avoid sex until the rash clears up. Sex will not spread this problem, but it may cause pain. ‚
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. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my skin and mouth.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or a wound that will not heal.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚