Lichen Planus

 

Overview

Characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and of skin cells, resulting in the swelling and irritation of the skin, mouth, scalp, nails, and genitals.

Common Symptoms

Shiny purple flat bumps occurring on the forearm, wrists, or ankles, lacy patches of white dots in the mouth, hair loss, changes in scalp color, nail damage or loss, and sores in the mouth or genitals.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Hepatitis C, vitiligo, multiple sclerosis, alopecia areata, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune thyroid diseases, psoriasis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and dermatomyositis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Males and females both are equally likely to get lichen planus of the skin, however, oral lichen planus is more common in females. The condition is also more likely to develop in middle-aged adults. Studies have linked the usage of certain medications such as painkillers in causing lichen planus.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, March 9). Lichen planus. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-planus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351378.

    2. Petti, S., Rabiei, M., De Luca, M., & Scully, C. (2011). The magnitude of the association between hepatitis C virus infection and oral lichen planus: meta-analysis and case control study. Odontology, 99(2), 168–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-011-0008-3.

    3. The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System. (n.d.). Lichen Planus. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lichen-planus#:~:text=Lichen%20planus%20usually%20affects%20men,very%20young%20or%20very%20old. 

    4. Thompson, D. F., & Skaehill, P. A. (1994). Drug-induced lichen planus. Pharmacotherapy, 14(5), 561–571.

    5. Weston, G., & Payette, M. (2015). Update on lichen planus and its clinical variants. International journal of women’s dermatology, 1(3), 140–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.04.001.