What is Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a skin problem that causes redness, itching, small bumps, and sores. It can affect the skin in any area of the body. Some common areas affected include:

• Arms, wrists, legs, or ankles.
• Chest, back, or abdomen.
• Genital areas such as the vulva and vagina.
• Gums and inside of the mouth.
• Scalp.
• Fingernails or toenails.

Treatment can help control the symptoms of this condition. The condition can last for a long time. It can take 6–18 months for it to go away.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of this condition is not known. The condition is not passed from one person to another (not contagious). It may be related to an allergy or an autoimmune response. An autoimmune response occurs when the body’s defense system (immune system) mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

• People who are older than 40 years of age.
• People who take certain medicines.
• People who have been exposed to certain dyes or chemicals.
• People with hepatitis C.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition may include:

• Itching, which can be severe.
• Small reddish or purple bumps on the skin. These may have flat tops and may be round or irregular shaped.
• Redness or white patches on the gums or tongue.
• Redness, soreness, or a burning feeling in the genital area. This may lead to pain or bleeding during sex.
• Changes in the fingernails or toenails. The nails may become thin or rough. They may have ridges in them.
• Redness or irritation of the eyes. This is rare.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• A physical exam. The health care provider will examine your affected skin and check for changes inside your mouth.
• Removal of a tissue sample (biopsy sample) to be looked at under a microscope.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may depend on the severity of symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is needed. If treatment is needed to control symptoms, it may include:

• Creams or ointments (topical steroids) to help control itching and irritation.
• Medicine to be taken by mouth.
• A treatment in which your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light (phototherapy).
• Lozenges that you suck on to help treat sores in the mouth.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Use creams or ointments as told by your health care provider.
• Do not scratch the affected areas of skin.
• Women should keep the vaginal area as clean and dry as possible.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have increasing redness, swelling, or pain in the affected area.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from the affected area.
• Your eyes become irritated.