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    Lichen Planus: Santa Clara Medical Center, Department of Dermatology #472

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    jalalfaiz
    Lichen planus is a skin condition of unknown cause that affects around 1% of the population. It is characterized by flat-topped bumps that are pink to purple in color and often have fine white lines across them. The rash can appear on the skin, inside the mouth, or both. While the rash usually clears within 18-24 months, it may persist for years. Treatment focuses on relieving itching and improving appearance, commonly using topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. There is no known cure for lichen planus.

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    Lichen Planus: Santa Clara Medical Center, Department of Dermatology #472

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    jalalfaiz
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    Lichen planus is a skin condition of unknown cause that affects around 1% of the population. It is characterized by flat-topped bumps that are pink to purple in color and often have fine white lines across them. The rash can appear on the skin, inside the mouth, or both. While the rash usually clears within 18-24 months, it may persist for years. Treatment focuses on relieving itching and improving appearance, commonly using topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. There is no known cure for lichen planus.

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    Lichen planus is a skin condition of unknown cause that affects around 1% of the population. It is characterized by flat-topped bumps that are pink to purple in color and often have fine white lines across them. The rash can appear on the skin, inside the mouth, or both. While the rash usually clears within 18-24 months, it may persist for years. Treatment focuses on relieving itching and improving appearance, commonly using topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. There is no known cure for lichen planus.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    18 views2 pages

    Lichen Planus: Santa Clara Medical Center, Department of Dermatology #472

    Uploaded by

    jalalfaiz
    Lichen planus is a skin condition of unknown cause that affects around 1% of the population. It is characterized by flat-topped bumps that are pink to purple in color and often have fine white lines across them. The rash can appear on the skin, inside the mouth, or both. While the rash usually clears within 18-24 months, it may persist for years. Treatment focuses on relieving itching and improving appearance, commonly using topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. There is no known cure for lichen planus.

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    Lichen Planus

    What is Lichen Planus (LP)? Lichen planus is an uncommon skin complaint whose cause is
    unknown. It can affect the skin, the mouth, or both. About one percent of the general population
    may be affected.

    The skin rash is characterized by shiny flat-topped pink to purple papules (bumps) on the skin
    varying from pinpoint size to larger than a centimeter. They may be scaly and often are crossed by
    fine white lines called Wickham's striae. They may be close together or widespread, or grouped in
    lines or rings. They are often very itchy. In the mouth, white lines may also be seen and there may
    be sores along the cheeks, gums or tongue. Onset may be slow, taking months to reach its peak. It
    usually clears with 18-24 months, but may persist for years

    What causes Lichen Planus? Lichen Planus is thought to be due to an abnormal immune
    reaction. It may be associated with a viral infection and your doctor may test you for this.
    However, it is not considered an infectious condition and cannot be spread to others by contact. It
    is not considered a cancerous or precancerous condition.

    A similar condition, called a lichenoid drug eruption, is sometimes caused by medications such as
    gold given for arthritis, antimalarial tablets and certain high blood pressure medications. Lichenoid
    drug eruptions clear up slowly when the responsible medication is withdrawn.

    As the lichen planus papules clear they are often replaced by areas of brown discoloration,
    especially in darker skinned people. New lesions may appear while others are clearing. Some may
    become thick and scaly.

    Lichen planus may affect any area, but is most often seen on the wrists, lower back, and ankles.
    The female genital area may be involved with a similar condition (erosive vulvitis) which may be
    very itchy and painful. Lichen Planus involving the scalp (lichen planopilaris) is rare and may lead
    to permanent hairloss. Uncommonly, nail changes can occur including minor pits or grooves, but
    occasionally shedding or destruction of the full nail occurs.

    How is Lichen Planus treated? There is no known cure for lichen planus. Treatment is not
    always necessary as it may resolve on its own. Treatment may help to relieve itch and improve
    the appearance.

    Santa Clara Medical Center, Department of Dermatology #472


    Lichen Planus
    Most commonly topical corticosteroids creams or ointments are used along with antihistamines for
    itch control. As the bumps heal, brown marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are left
    behind which may take months to years to fade. For severe or widespread involvement, internally
    taken steroids, ultraviolet light therapy, or other oral medications may be recommended by your
    doctor.

    Santa Clara Medical Center, Department of Dermatology #472

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