Lichen Planus

What is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a skin condition that chiefly affects the arms and legs, though it can also appear in the mouth or on the genitals. It takes the form of an itchy skin rash that looks like flat bumps or papules. It’s not a contagious disease or a dangerous infection, but it can cause pain and discomfort and can be present for months. In some cases, lichen planus can last for years.

Lichen Planus Information

One way to tell this itchy rash from other types of common rashes is that the bumps appear in rows. They look like red streaks and lines across the skin, but they’re made up of tiny red bumps. This is not one of most dangerous diseases but it can be one of the most irritating, because the itching can be severe and can last for weeks, months or years. Once the pustules disappear, there’s no guarantee that they won’t come back – in fact, they often do. Prescription ointments may be necessary to control both itching and swelling.

Sometimes the condition doesn’t show up on the skin but appears in the mouth. The mouth sores can precede the skin rash, or the mouth sores can appear on their own and be the only sign of the condition. When lichen planus is present in the mouth, it takes the form of painful sores, tiny bumps or lighter areas that appear in patches on the tongue or inside of the mouth.

Causes and Treatments for Lichen Planus

Though the disease isn’t serious, if you have symptoms you should see a doctor to get treatment for itching and inflammation. If the sores appear in the mouth or the genital/anal area, it’s especially important to get treatment and to have the condition monitored to make sure it doesn’t affect your overall physical health.

White patches of thin skin on the genitals or anal area are a related condition known as lichen sclerosus and should also be looked at by a doctor.

There are only theories about the cause of lichen planus, like allergies and other infections. No cause or causes can be pinpointed. Treatment involves controlling the symptoms of swelling and itching. The rash must clear up on its own, and usually does within a few months. Some cases can take up to two years.