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Lichen planus is a common, long-term inflammatory condition that affects the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. It is characterized by small, polygonal, flat-topped, purplish bumps that often itch severely.
read more about lichen planus ...The disorder begins as an autoimmune response. White blood cells mistakenly attack the cells of the skin or mucous membranes, causing inflammation. The exact trigger for this autoimmune reaction is usually unknown.
The skin shows small, flat-topped, purple papules with fine white lines on the surface known as Wickham striae. Lesions favor wrists, ankles, lower back, and shins and itch intensely. Oral disease presents with lacy white patches on the cheeks or tongue that can burn or ulcerate. Nails can ridge or thin and hair loss can occur on the scalp. Flares can last months and recur.
Diagnosis is usually made based on the visual appearance of the rash. A skin biopsy is needed to confirm the presence of the specific inflammatory cells. Blood tests are sometimes performed to rule out other similar conditions.
Lichen planus can affect the eye structures, causing ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, a rare complication. This condition causes chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the eye) and can lead to scarring and dry eyes.
Treatment strategies focus on relieving symptoms and suppressing inflammation. Strong topical corticosteroids are used for skin lesions. Oral medication or steroid injections may be needed for widespread or painful lesions in the mouth or elsewhere.
No, lichen planus is an inflammatory condition and is not contagious.
Yes, lichen planus is sometimes linked to chronic liver disease, particularly Hepatitis C.
Yes, the lesions can heal, leaving behind a brown or grayish discoloration on the skin.
Consult a specialist if you develop "lace-like" white patches inside your mouth or on your eyelids. Lichen planus can affect the ocular surface, leading to chronic dry eye or scarring of the conjunctiva (cicatricial conjunctivitis) which requires urgent medical management.
NHS inform. Lichen Planus (nhsinform.scot). 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Lichen Planus (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
American Academy of Dermatology. Lichen Planus Overview (aad.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Lichen Planus (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.