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Lichen planus

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Lichen planus - close-up
Lichen planus - close-up
Lichen nitidus on the abdomen
Lichen nitidus on the abdomen
Lichen planus on the arm
Lichen planus on the arm
Lichen planus on the hands
Lichen planus on the hands
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa
Lichen striatus - close-up
Lichen striatus - close-up
Lichen striatus on the leg
Lichen striatus on the leg
Lichen striatus - close-up
Lichen striatus - close-up

Definition    Return to top

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

Causes    Return to top

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

Risks include:

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

Symptoms    Return to top

Other symptoms include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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    Return to top

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:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

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.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Long-standing mouth ulcers may develop into oral cancer.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if:

Update Date: 10/3/2008

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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