Lichen planus

What is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a skin condition that results from your immune system being triggered, which causes inflammation. This inflammation creates a rash that can appear across your body, including your mouth, genitals, and scalp. The rash tends to look like clusters of raised purple or red bumps. Most cases of lichen planus clear up by themselves in about nine to eighteen months, and it’s not contagious.

Who gets lichen planus?

About one in 5,000 people can get lichen planus.^[1] That’s about 1% of the worldwide population, and it’s more common in adults over the age of 40. It affects men and women equally, but oral lichen planus is more common in women. The mouth is affected in about 50% of lichen planus cases.^[2]

How serious is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is, in most cases, not serious (although it’s an uncommon condition). With proper care it can clear up on its own, and it doesn’t usually come back once it’s gone. In rare cases, it can become severe or cause scarring and discoloration of the skin.

What causes lichen planus?

It’s thought that lichen planus is caused when your immune system gets triggered by something. It’s unclear as to why and how, but your immune system attacks your skin cells or mucous membranes, which causes an excess of proteins to be produced, which then inflames the skin.

Factors that can trigger your immune system and activate lichen planus include:

• hepatitis C infection
• flu vaccine
• contact allergens like chemicals in products
• certain medications ^[1]

What are the symptoms of lichen planus?

You may not get all the symptoms of lichen planus, but it’s important to know what to look for so you can tell your doctor and get treatment.

These include:

• clusters of shiny, raised, purple or red blotches on your arms, legs, and body
• oral lichen planus: white patches on your gums, tongue, or inside your cheeks
• a burning, itchy sensation
• bald patches on your scalp
• sore, red patches on your vulva
• ring-shaped purple or white patches on your penis
• rough and thinning nails ^[2]

Can lichen planus lead to other problems?

If left untreated, lichen planus can become serious and cause other problems. Lichen planus on the vulva and vagina can be painful, and can sometimes leave scars. In general, genital lichen planus can cause long-term sexual dysfunction.

Oral lichen planus sores can make it hard to eat comfortably and increase your risk of oral cancer. If left untreated, lichen planus in and around your ear canal may lead to hearing loss.

If lichen planus becomes serious, it can lead to erosive lichen planus, a type of chronic, long-term form of lichen planus. It causes ulcers to develop, which become painful and uncomfortable.^[3]