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Lichen planus

Definition

Lichen planus is a condition that forms an itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. It may be related to an allergic or immune reaction.

Risks for the condition include:

Exposure to medicines, dyes, and other chemicals (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinide, phenothiazines, and diuretics)
Diseases such as hepatitis C

Lichen planus mostly affects middle-aged adults. It is less common in children.

Symptoms

Mouth sores

May be tender or painful (mild cases may not cause plain)
Are located on the sides of the tongue, inside of the cheek, or gums
Look like blue-white spots or "pimples"
Form lines in a lacy network
Gradually increase in size of the affected area
Sometimes form painful ulcers

Skin sores

Are usually found on the inner wrist, legs, torso, or genitals
Are itchy
Have even sides (symmetrical) and sharp borders
Occur in single lesion or clusters, often at the site of skin injury
May be covered with thin white streaks or scratch marks (called Wickham's striae)
Are shiny or scaly looking
Have a dark, reddish-purple color on the skin or are gray-white in the mout
May develop blisters or ulcers

Other symptoms:

Dry mouth
Hair loss
Metallic taste in the mouth
Ridges in the nails (nail abnormalities)

Signs and tests

The health care provider may make the diagnosis based on the appearance of the skin or mouth lesions.

A skin lesion biopsy or biopsy of a mouth lesion can confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests may be done to rule out hepatitis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and speed healing. If symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.

Treatments may include:

Antihistamines
Medicines that calm down the immune system, such as cyclosporine (in severe cases)
Lidocaine mouthwashes to numb the area and make eating more comfortable (for mouth sores)
Topical corticosteroids (such as clobetasol) or oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) to reduce swelling and lower immune responses
Corticosteroids shots into a sore
Vitamin A as a cream (topical retinoic acid) or taken mouth (acitretin)
Other medicines that are applied to the skin such as tacrolimus and pimecroliumus
Dressings placed over skin medicines to protect from scratching
Ultraviolet light therapy for some cases

Expectations (prognosis)

Lichen planus is usually not harmful. It usually gets better with treatment. The condition often clears up within 18 months but may come and go for years.

If lichen planus is caused by a medicine you are taking, the rash should go away once you stop the medicine.

Complications

Mouth ulcers that are present for a long time may develop into oral cancer.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

Your symptoms continue
The skin or mouth lesions change in appearance
The condition continues or worsens even with treatment
Your dentist recommends changing your medicines or treating conditions that trigger the disorder

References

In: James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 12

Mirowski GW, Mark LA. Oral disease and oral-cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elseiver;2010:chap 22.

Review Date: 11/20/2012
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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