Lichen Planus is a common inflammatory condition that causes itchy, purple, flat-topped bumps on the skin, as well as white patches or areas of redness and sores in the mouth and on the genitals among other places. It is not contagious, meaning you cannot catch it from someone else or spread it to others.
What Causes It?
Lichen Planus happens when your immune system — the part of your body that fights off illness — mistakenly attacks your own skin or the lining of your mouth. Doctors do not always know why this happens. In most cases there is no clear cause, but some things that may trigger it include:
Certain medications, such as blood pressure pills or painkillers
Reactions to food products and environmental exposures
Associations have been reported with hepatitis C in some patient populations
Who Gets It?
Lichen Planus can affect anyone, but it is most common in middle-aged adults. It affects men and women in roughly equal numbers, although mouth-related symptoms are seen more often in women.
What Are the Areas That Can be Involved and Symptoms?
Areas involved and symptoms can vary from person to person.
Skin – Itchy, purple or reddish bumps on your skin, often on the wrists, ankles, or lower back
Oral mucosa – White, lacy patches, areas of redness or sores inside your mouth that may be painful and cause discomfort when eating spicy or acidic foods
Genital – Painful sores in the genitals
Esophageal – Pain or difficulty swallowing
Scalp – Itching, scaling, and redness of the scalp with hair loss
Nails – Changes to the nails that include roughness or loss of nails
How Is It Treated?
Lichen planus tends to be a chronic condition. The goal of treatment is to manage signs and symptoms.
Treatment considerations may include:
Steroid creams or tablets
Light therapy to help clear up skin patches
Special mouth rinses or gels if your mouth is affected
Skin disease usually clear up on their own within one to two years. Mouth and genital symptoms can last longer and may need ongoing treatment.
When Should I See a Doctor?
You should speak to your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse, are not improving, or are affecting your daily life. It is also important to attend regular check-ups, as in rare cases, long-term lichen planus in the mouth can increase the risk of mouth cancer.
