Lichen planus

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Summary

Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an overactive immune system.
It can resolve on its own, but medication can speed up recovery and relieve symptoms.
Treatments include topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, light therapy, and immunosuppressants.

Lichen planus: essential info
Causes
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on February 18, 2026. by

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer

Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935)

Next review due on February 16, 2029

Last updated on March 31, 2026

Find the lichen planus treatment that’s best for you.

We’ve got a range of options, and our clinicians can help you find the one that’s best for your body and your budget.

Triamcinolone acetonide

In stock

Topical corticosteroid you apply directly to skin. Reduces inflammation to help heal rashes caused by lichen planus.

Starting at $93.95

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Betamethasone Dipropionate

Betamethasone dipropionate

In stock

Prescription-strength corticosteroid cream. Used off-label to soothe and heal inflamed skin rashes.

Starting at $85.95

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Acitretin

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Oral retinoid that helps reduce swelling and inflammation within four weeks.

Starting at $237.95

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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]

Treated trusted source:

Mayo Clinic (2024). Diseases and Conditions: Lichen planus.
American Academy of Dermatology (n.d.) Lichen planus: Signs and symptoms.
NHS Inform. (2023). Lichen planus.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 18, 2026. Next review due on February 16, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

What medications are there for lichen planus?

There are plenty of treatments that can help you manage the symptoms of lichen planus. These include:

corticosteroids: prescription corticosteroid creams or ointments. For severe lichen planus, corticosteroid tablets may be prescribed
oral anti-infection drugs: antimalarial hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or antibiotic metronidazole (like Flagyl)
immune response medicines: prescription pills that suppress or modify your immune system
antihistamines: oral pills to relieve itching
light therapy: phototherapy may help for extreme cases of lichen planus. It uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light which targets the upper layer of the skin
retinoids: if the above treatments don’t work, you may be prescribed oral retinoids (retinoids aren’t recommended for pregnant women, though, since they can cause malformations in the fetus)^[1]

Is there a “best” treatment for lichen planus?

Depending on the extent of your condition, a dermatologist can help you find a lichen planus treatment that works for you. Corticosteroid ointments and creams tend to be the first-line choice for the rash, which can help bring your skin back to normal.

For mild lichen planus, you may not even need a topical treatment – as it can clear up by itself, especially if you take good care of the affected skin. Aloe vera gel has been found to be a good “natural” treatment for the rash.

Does lichen planus always need treatment?

There are some at-home remedies you can try if you have mild lichen planus on your skin. These include:

washing the affected skin with warm water, avoiding soaps and scented body washes
washing your hair over the sink or bathtub to stop the shampoo from getting in contact with your skin
using an antibacterial moisturizer on your skin
for your genitals: holding an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel against the area to ease swelling and itching
wearing loose-fitting clothes
for your mouth: brushing your teeth carefully twice a day to keep your gums healthy
avoiding salty, spicy, or acidic foods
avoiding alcohol and mouthwashes that contain alcohol

Treated trusted source:

Mayo Clinic (2024). Diseases and Conditions: Lichen planus.

How we source info.

Lichen planus: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

What is lichen planus pigmentosus?

Answer:

Lichen planus pigmentosus is a version of the condition that is more frequently reported for people with darker skin. It’s characterized by small, dark brown flat spots (macules) that later merge and form larger hyperpigmented patches. They appear on areas of skin that are exposed to sunlight.^[1]

How is lichen planus diagnosed?

Answer:

Your doctor will want to examine your skin to determine if it’s lichen planus. They will also take a biopsy, in which a small piece of the affected tissue is examined under a microscope. It’ll be analyzed to see whether it has the same cell patterns as lichen planus.

You may also have your blood tested for hepatitis C, which can be a trigger for the rash. Allergy tests done by a specialist or dermatologist can also help to find out if your condition has been triggered by an allergy.

Can you get side effects from lichen planus treatments?

Answer:

Like all medicines, treatments for lichen planus can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. The type of treatment you’re using (and how long) may affect whether you get any side effects from it.

A common side effect of topical corticosteroids includes irritation or thinning of the skin, as well as oral thrush. However, they’re considered to be safer when taken for a short amount of time. Light therapy isn’t usually recommended for people with darker skin, as there is a higher risk of permanent pigmentation. Retinoids are also not recommended for pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant, as they can cause birth defects.^[1]

Does lichen planus treatment always work?

Answer:

Considering most cases of lichen planus take between nine and eighteen months to improve on their own, using treatments will often help to speed this up. They will also help you with many of the symptoms, such as itching and swelling. Once the lichen planus has been treated and your skin returns to normal, it’s very unlikely that it will return again.

Treated trusted source:

Ghosh, A. and Coondoo, A. (2016).Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: The Controversial Consensus. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(5), pp.482–486.
Mayo Clinic (2024). Diseases and Conditions: Lichen planus.

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