LICHEN PLANUS

General Information

DEFINITION--A chronic skin eruption that is not cancerous or contagious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Skin of the legs, trunk, arms, wrists, scalp or penis.
• Lining of the mouth or vagina.
• Toenails and fingernails (around or partially under the nailbed).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adults over 40.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Small, slightly raised bumps that itch. The bumps are purplish with a whitish surface.
• An irregular whitish line inside the mouth or vagina.
• Sudden hair loss in patches on the head.

CAUSES--Unknown, but may be caused by a virus. In a few cases, lichen planus may be an adverse reaction to certain drugs.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress.
• Fatigue or overwork.
• Exposure to drugs or chemicals.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Biopsy of questionable papules (raised bumps).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Hair loss.
• Nail destruction.
• Chronic disease where new lesions appear as old lesions resolve.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Symptoms can be controlled with treatment, but the disorder lasts months or years. Be patient and persist with your treatment, even if results are disappointing or slow.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms, particularly, the itching.
• Use cool-water soaks to relieve itching.
• Reducing stress in your life may help prevent recurrences. Learn relaxation techniques or obtain counseling if necessary.
• If lichen planus is related to a medication, get medical advice about changing dosage or a substitute drug.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antihistamines for their sedative effect to control itching.
• Cortisone creams or ointments to reduce inflammation and decrease itching. Use only once or twice a day unless directed otherwise. Apply immediately after bathing for better spreading and penetration. For the face and groin, use only low-potency steroid products without fluorine.
• Cortisone tablets for severe cases.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of lichen planus.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.