Lichen planus
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is an itchy rash that can show up on many parts of the body, including inside the mouth. It doesn't spread from person to person.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes lichen planus?
The exact cause of lichen planus isn't fully understood. It's thought to be linked to the immune system, possibly an unusual immune reaction to certain medicines.
Lichen planus is not infectious, so it cannot be passed on to anyone else, including a sexual partner. It also doesn't usually run in families.
Who is most at risk of lichen planus?
Lichen planus is more common in adults over the age of 40, and it affects men and women in equal numbers. Oral lichen planus, however, is seen more often in women.
Diagnosis
Your GP can usually diagnose lichen planus just by examining your rash and asking about your symptoms. If it's affecting your mouth, a dentist will often spot it during a routine dental check-up.
A few other conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can look similar to lichen planus, so a skin biopsy is sometimes needed to confirm exactly what's causing your symptoms. If you do need a biopsy, the area will first be numbed with a local anaesthetic, so you won't feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Treatment
Lichen planus usually clears up on its own within 6 to 9 months.
Creams and ointments from your GP practice can help relieve itching and control the rash.
If creams and ointments don't help, or your lichen planus is severe, you may need other treatments, such as steroid tablets or a special kind of light treatment (light therapy).
Lichen planus affecting the mouth or genital area may last longer. Mouthwashes and sprays from a GP can help ease symptoms like burning or sore gums.
How to ease lichen planus at home
There are things you can do at home to help ease lichen planus symptoms. What helps depends on which part of your body is affected.
Lichen planus on the genitals
If you have lichen planus on your genitals:
- wash in warm water, and avoid soap or bubble bath
- use an emollient, like petroleum jelly, before and after urinating
- avoid wearing tights or tight fitting clothes
- try to have showers instead of baths
- dry yourself carefully after using the toilet, to reduce the chance of urine touching your skin
- use a lubricant if sex is painful
You can also apply an ice pack to the area to soothe itching and swelling. Do not put the ice pack directly on your skin. Wrap it in a clean tea towel first before placing it on your body.
Complications
Complications of lichen planus
After the lichen planus rash has cleared up, the skin may be a different colour to what it was originally. There may be a brown or grey mark, which can sometimes last for months. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It can be more noticeable in people with darker skin.
Erosive lichen planus
Erosive lichen planus is a rare form of lichen planus that can last a long time. It causes painful ulcers to develop in the mouth and in the genital area.
In some cases, long-term erosive lichen planus can increase the chance of some types of cancer developing.
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