Lichen Planus

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

A non-infectious itchy rash

Question 2

Where does it occur?

Answer 2

It can affect all areas of the body including the Arms, legs, trunk, mouth, nails, scalp, vulva, vagina and penis

Question 3

What causes it?

Answer 3

The exact cause is unknown but it is not infectious and does not run in families

Question 4

What is the theoretical cause? (2)

Answer 4

Blamed on an abnormal response of the immune system causing an over production of the skin proteins that produce inflammation, could also be a reaction to medications e.g Gold injections for Rheumatoid and Antimalarials

Question 5

Is it common?

Answer 5

Relatively, it affects 1-2% of the world population

Question 6

Who does it affect?

Answer 6

It affects both men and women equally but Oral Lichen Planus usually affects women. Condition generally starts after the 4th decade

Question 7

Signs and Symptoms (14)

Answer 7

Skin mouth penis and vulva most commonly affected, purple, red, raised papules, shiny lesions, flat top, 3-5mm in diameter, irregular white streaks called wickhams striae, thick scaly plaques, itchy, painful sex, discharge, thin/ridge/grooved nails, hair loss

Question 8

What is the treatment? (11)

Answer 8

Avoid washing in soap, emollient use, avoid oral irritants, ice packs, avoid hoisery, topical corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, phototherapy, acitretin (severe cases), immunomodulators e.g Ciclosporin