answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

Lichen planus is a disease in which there is an itchy, swollen rash on the skin or in the mouth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. However, it is likely to be related to an allergic or immune reaction.

Risks include:

  • Exposure to medications, dyes, and other chemical substances (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinide, phenothiazines, and diuretics)
  • Disorders such as hepatitis C

Lichen planus generally affects middle-aged adults. It is less common in children.

Symptoms
  • Mouth lesions
    • Tender or painful (mild cases may have no discomfort)
    • Located on the sides of the tongue or the inside of the cheek
    • Occasionally located on the gums
    • Poorly defined area of blue-white spots or "pimples"
    • Lines of lesions that form a lacy-looking network
    • Gradual increase in size of the affected area
    • Lesions occasionally form painful ulcers
  • Skin lesions:
    • Usually located on the inner wrist, legs, torso, or genitals
    • Itchy
    • Symmetrical
    • Single lesion or clusters of lesions, often at sites of skin trauma
    • Papule 2 - 4 cm in size
    • Papules clustered into a large, flat-topped lesion
    • Lesions have distinct, sharp borders
    • Possibly covered with fine white streaks or scratch marks called Wickham's striae
    • Shiny or scaly appearance
    • Dark colored -- reddish-purple (skin) or gray-white (mouth)
    • Possibility of developing blisters or ulcers

Other symptoms include:

Signs and tests

The health care provider may make the diagnosis based on the appearance of the skin or mouth lesions.

A skin lesion biopsy or biopsy of a mouth lesion can confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests may be done to rule out hepatitis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms and speed healing of the skin lesions. If symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.

Treatments may include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Immune-suppressing medications, such as cyclosporine (in severe cases)
  • Lidocaine mouth washes -- to numb the area temporarily and make eating more comfortable (for mouth lesions)
  • Topical corticosteroids (such as clobetasol) or oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) -- to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses. Corticosteroids may be injected directly into a lesion.
  • Topical retinoic acid cream (a form of vitamin A) and other ointments or creams -- to reduce itching and inflammation and aid healing
  • Dressings may be placed over topical medications to protect the skin from scratching.
  • Ultraviolet light therapy may be helpful in some cases.
Expectations (prognosis)

Lichen planus is generally not harmful and may get better with treatment. However it may last for weeks to months, and may come and go for years. It usually clears up within 18 months.

Complications

Long-standing mouth ulcers may develop into oral cancer.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

  • Your symptoms continue
  • The skin or mouth lesions change in appearance
  • The condition continues or worsens even with treatment
  • Your dentist recommends adjusting your medications or treating conditions that trigger the disorder
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What can cause oral lichen planus?

Can oral lichen planus leads to oral cancer?


Is lichen planus latin or french language?

lichen planus is a type of skin or tongue disease that makes the patient develop papules and can leave the patient with scarring. Lichen planus is a latin word.


Is Lichen planus precancerous?

Lichen planus is not considered precancerous, but some cases of lichen planus can increase the risk of developing certain types of skin cancer over time. It is important to monitor and manage lichen planus symptoms with the help of a healthcare provider to reduce this risk.


What is lichen planus?

Hello, I see you are asking "What is lichen planus?" Lichen planus (LIE-kun PLAY-nus) is a condition that can cause swelling and irritation in the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. On the skin, lichen planus usually appears as purplish, itchy, flat bumps that develop over several weeks. For more information, you can visit this URL - skincarehealthcenter. com/condition/lichen-planus/c/25164


What does lichen planus stand for?

Lichen Planus is a skin disorder than can cause rashes, swelling, lesions, uncomfort. It is a relatively common disease that has an unknown origin. Lichen planus can cover almost any part of the body.


Is lichen planus of the mouth contagious?

No it is not


How do you use lichen in a sentence?

Back to top How can lichen planus be treated?


Can clotrimazole lozengers that clear up thrush work for lichen planus?

Clotrimazole is not typically used to help lichen planus. Before trying anything you should always consult your doctor. They will have the knowledge of the types of medication you can use to help lichen planus.


What is the treatment for lichen planus?

Physicians recommend oral treatment or therapy with ultraviolet. Injections may also help treat lichen planus.


When was lichen planus discovered?

Once upon a time under a blue moon there was a man drinking moonshine. Purple spots popped up on his skin and BOOM...LICHEN PLANUS


Is lichen planus contagious on the body?

No, lichen planus is not contagious. It is an inflammatory skin condition that can result in painful skin lesions, but it is not spread through contact with an affected individual.


Is lichun planus spread by physical contact?

Lichen Planus is a disease that develops on either the skin or inside of the mouth of the infected person. You cannot give lichen planus to anyone else and you are also safe from getting it by contact of the skin.