Lichen planus is a rash thought to be triggered by your immune system that can affect your body and mouth.
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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 be clusters of raised purple or red blotches. 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. 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. In 50% of lichen planus cases, the mouth is affected.
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 discolouration of the skin.
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.
Lichen planus
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
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 clinician 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
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.
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.
Lichen planus
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 help
immune response medicines: prescription tablets that suppress or modify your immune system
antihistamines: oral tablets 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
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for lichen planus?
Depending on the extent of your condition, our dermatologist will 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 perfumed body washes
washing your hair over the sink or bath to stop the shampoo from getting in contact with your skin
using an emollient (antibacterial moisturiser) on your skin
for your genitals: holding a bag of frozen peas 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
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.
Lichen planus
FAQ: Lichen planus
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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 analysed 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 for) 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.
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.
Why should I buy lichen planus treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
We can offer a bespoke service that’s tailored to your healthcare needs. Have a chat with one of our expert clinicians, and they’ll show you the best and safest treatment options. You just pick the treatment that’s right for you, and we’ll deliver it straight to your door – at no extra cost.
If you need it on repeat, don’t worry; with our flexible subscriptions, we’ll make sure you get your treatment when you need it. You can also control and change your subscriptions online, and we’ll stay in touch with you to find out how your treatment’s going, so feel free to pop us a message if you have any questions.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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