A chronic, recurrent, pruritic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that affects the skin and mucus membranes. It presents with rashes and papules that tend to resolve spontaneously. It may be associated with hepatitis C. Certain drugs that contain arsenic or bismuth are associated with reactions mimicking lichen planus
Symptoms of Lichen Planus
The following features are indicative of Lichen Planus:
purplish, flat-topped bumps on the inner forearm
purplish, flat-topped bumps on the wrist or ankle
purplish, flat-topped bumps on the external genitals
itching
blisters that may break to form scabs or crusts
lacy white patches in the mouth
painful oral ulcers
painful vaginal ulcers
hair loss
scalp discoloration
nail damage
nail loss
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Common Causes of Lichen Planus
The following are the most common causes of Lichen Planus:
immune system mistakenly attacking cells of the skin or mucous membranes
hepatitis C infection
flu vaccine
use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen
certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis
Risk Factors for Lichen Planus
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Lichen Planus:
middle-aged adults
Prevention of Lichen Planus
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Lichen Planus. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
use cool compresses on affected area
apply moisturizers
do not scratch
avoid smoking
avoid drinking alcohol
avoid consuming spicy or acidic food
Occurrence of Lichen Planus
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Lichen Planus cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Lichen Planus can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Lichen Planus can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Lichen Planus
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Lichen Planus:
Skin tissue biopsy: To determine whether skin tissue has the cell patterns characteristic of lichen planus
Hepatitis C test: To test for hepatitis C, which is a possible trigger for lichen planus
Allergy test: To identify agents to which patient may be allergic and that may act as triggers for patient's condition
Doctor for Diagnosis of Lichen Planus
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Lichen Planus:
Allergist
Dermatologist
Complications of Lichen Planus if untreated
Yes, Lichen Planus causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Lichen Planus is left untreated:
severe pain
scars formation
sexual dysfunction
squamous cell carcinoma risk
darker skin
Procedures for Treatment of Lichen Planus
The following procedures are used to treat Lichen Planus:
Light therapy: To clear up lichen planus affecting the skin
Self-care for Lichen Planus
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Lichen Planus:
Tub soaks with colloidal oatmeal: Tub soaks with colloidal oatmeal followed by moisturizing lotion on affected area helps to reduce the itching and discomfort caused by lichen planus
Use cool compresses: To reduce the itching and discomfort caused by lichen planus
Donot scratch: Helps reducing the itching and discomfort caused by lichen planus
Avoid smoking: Help reduce the pain of mouth sores
Avoid drinking alcohol: Help reduce the pain of mouth sores
Avoid consuming spicy or acidic food: Help reduce the pain of mouth sores
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Lichen Planus
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Lichen Planus:
Vitamins A and B containing foods and supplements: Help in treating lichen planus of the skin
Use aloe vera gel: For treating lichen planus of the mouth and vulva
Time for Treatment of Lichen Planus
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Lichen Planus to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: