Lichen planus

Skin of Color Lichen Planus Lichen planus (LP) is a rash that affects the skin and, less often, the scalp, fingernails, toenails, and/or inside the mouth or genital area (mucous membranes). Lichen planus can resolve on its own without treatment, or it can be persistent, even with aggressive treatment. Who's At Risk? People of any age, race / ethnicity, and sex can have lichen planus. However, it is rarely seen in young children and older adults; it is most common in people aged 30-60. Although the cause of lichen planus is unknown, some people with the condition also have hepatitis C, an infection of the liver. People who take certain medications may develop drug-induced lichen planus. These medications include: • High blood pressure (hypertension) medicines, including diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), ACE inhibitors (eg, lisinopril), and calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine). • Diabetes medications, including sulfonylureas. • NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). • Antimalarial medications. • Penicillamine. • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors. • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Signs & Symptoms The most common locations for lichen planus include the: • Inner wrists. • Forearms. • Inner ankles. • Lower legs. • Neck. • Trunk. • Mouth. • Fingernails and toenails. • Scalp. • Genitals. Lesions of lichen planus on the skin appear as small, flat-topped, solid bumps (papules) and larger flat-topped, raised areas larger than a thumbnail solid ...

× This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. × This article is based on scientific evidence, written by Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Ease Lichen Planus Discomfort: 9 Natural Treatments By Kathleen McCoy, BS February 6, 2018 • • • • • • • • If you have a rash with red, purple or bluish lesions that itches and spreads, you may have lichen planus. This disease is triggered by the immune system in response to stress, allergens or a viral infection. It may affect the skin, scalp and nails, as well as the mouth and the genitals. Discomfort can range from mild to seve...

Lichen planus is a fairly common rash that usually develops on the skin or inside the mouth. The rash can be itchy or tender with some swelling and appear as either small, reddish purple raised bumps on the skin or as bluish-white spots in the mouth in a vaguely lacy pattern. The skin lesions tend to occur on the inside of the wrists or the torso, legs or genitals, but can also affect the scalp and nail beds. Mouth lesions most frequently affect the tongue or inside of the cheek but may occasionally appear on the gums. Lichen planus most often affects middle-aged adults with a female predominance. It is not usually serious and may get better when treated with topical agents or medicated mouthwashes. Mild symptoms may not need treatment at all. In some cases, the disorder may last for weeks to months, usually clearing up within 18 months. Lichen planus can recur on and off for years after treatment, however. In rare cases, long-term ulcers in the mouth significantly increase your risk of developing Lichen planus is rarely a serious disorder. However, left untreated, some cases do not resolve on their own but spread, and in the case of long-term ulcers inside the mouth, you run a higher risk of developing oral Seek prompt medical care if you have had mouth sores, an abnormal taste in the mouth, Common symptoms of lichen planus in the mouth You may experience lichen planus symptoms for weeks to months at a time. Lichen planus symptoms tend to recur and can come and go for yea...

Welcome! Diseases & conditions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know. Everyday care • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Darker Skin Tones • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them. If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help. Cosmetic treatments • • • • • • • Featured You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last. Public health programs • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions,...

Welcome! Diseases & conditions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know. Everyday care • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Darker Skin Tones • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them. If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help. Cosmetic treatments • • • • • • • Featured You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last. Public health programs • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions,...

A wide range of conditions cause rashes, some common and others quite rare. One of the more unusual types of rashes is caused by a disease called lichen planus. Lichen planus causes an itchy rash made up of shiny red and purple bumps, and patches of raised, sometimes rough, skin. Other symptoms of the condition may include mouth sores, fingernail splitting, and hair loss. Lichen planus is thought to be caused by the body’s own immune system. And though it can occur in people of any age, lichen planus is rare in children. It is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 60. “We have many different treatments for lichen planus, from topical steroid creams or local injections to systemic medications, such as pills or injections, to light therapy. The best treatment or combination of treatments depends on each patient’s skin rash, symptoms and other medical issues,” says Yale Medicine dermatologist Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that most commonly affects the skin and mouth, but can also affect the esophagus, genitals, nails, and scalp. When it affects the skin, it usually causes an itchy, inflamed rash. In the mouth, the disease is characterized by the development of white, lace-like patches on the tongue and cheeks, sometimes accompanied by painful sores. Researchers don’t know exactly what causes lichen planus, but it is widely thought to be the result of an abnormal immune response in which the body’s immune system attacks and damages healthy skin cells cal...