What does a lichen planus rash look like?

Individual lesions of lichen planus on the skin appear as small (1–5 mm), flat-topped, red-to-purple bumps. As lichen planus progresses, the surfaces of these bumps can become dry and scaly and can develop wispy, gray-to-white streaks (Wickham's striae). Lichen planus on the skin is usually itchy.

Is lichen planus a serious disease?

Lichen planus is not a dangerous disease, and it usually goes away on its own. However, in some people, it may come back.

What triggers lichen planus?

Lichen planus may also be triggered by a viral infection. A large 2021 study found there's a link between hepatitis C infection and chronic inflammatory skin disease, including lichen planus. Other viruses, such as certain types of herpes viruses, may also cause lichen planus.

What is the best cream for lichen planus?

For genital lichen planus lesions, triamcinolone ointment (Triderm) is a good firstline agent. Topical tacrolimus (Protopic) and clobetasol (Temovate) appear to be effective treatments for vulvovaginal erosive lichen planus.

What autoimmune disease causes lichen planus?

Etiology of Lichen Planus

Lichen planus (LP) is thought to be caused by a T cell–mediated autoimmune reaction against basal epithelial keratinocytes in people with genetic predisposition.

Lichen planus - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Does Covid 19 cause lichen planus?

Despite viruses being reported as a triggering factor in oral lichen planus, very few cases of oral lichen planus after COVID-19 infection were noticed. The immunological and psychological changes induced by COVID-19 infection may explain the tendency to find lichen planus lesions in COVID-19 patients.

Can vitamin D deficiency causes lichen planus?

The VDR receptor protects against invasion of microbes into the underlying connective tissue, and in the case of the oral lichen planus, epithelial destruction means apoptosis or planned cell death (15). Vitamin D deficiency results in impaired T cell proliferation and may therefore lead to the development of OLP.

What foods should you avoid if you have lichen planus?

They'll likely hurt the most when you eat or drink foods that are spicy, salty, acidic (orange juice, tomatoes), or alcoholic. Crispy treats and drinks with caffeine can also cause problems. Your doctor can diagnose oral lichen planus by taking a small piece of skin from inside your mouth.

How do you get rid of lichen planus spots?

The first choice for treatment of lichen planus is usually a prescription corticosteroid cream or ointment. If that doesn't help and your condition is severe or widespread, your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid pill or injection.

What is the best natural treatment for lichen planus?

These include Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) gel; Curcuma longa (turmeric) rhizome; curcumin; Potentilla tormentilla (tormentil) herb; Portulacca oleracea (purslane) leaf; Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root; Tripterygium wilfordii (thunder god vine) root; Althaea officinalis (marshmallow) leaf or root; Alcea rosea ( ...

Is lichen planus bacterial or viral?

Lichen planus (LP) is a relatively common, chronic dermato-mucosal disease that often affects the oral mucosa. Among bacterial infections affecting LP, Helicobacter pylori has recently been proposed as an important etiologic factor.

Does lichen planus itch more at night?

Lichen planus of the skin

Papules are approximately 3 to 5 millimeters (mm) in diameter. White streaks may sometimes appear on the papules, called Wickham's striae . Intense itching may occur, especially at night.

Is lichen planus an autoimmune disease?

Lichen planus (LP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory autoimmune skin and mucous membrane disease. LP most commonly presents as itchy, shiny, reddish-purple spots (lesions) on the skin (cutaneous LP) or as white-gray lesions in the mouth or on the lips (oral LP).

Does stress cause lichen planus?

Factors such as stress and psychological problems, especially depression and anxiety, have been mentioned as etiologic factors in lichen planus.

Can you spread lichen planus?

The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It's thought to be related to the immune system, or an abnormal response of the immune system to certain medicines. Lichen planus isn't infectious, doesn't usually run in families and can't be passed on to others.

What vitamins are good for lichen planus?

Lichen planus disease is a chronic inflammatory lesion without a known etiology. Recent studies have indicated the role of vitamin D on immune system and proposed its anti-inflammatory effects.

Does lichen planus marks go away?

After the bumps go away, they may leave a dark brown area on the skin. This is more likely to happen in persons of Asian, Hispanic or African heritage. These brown spots are not scars. They will slowly go away, but it may take many months.

What's the difference between lichen sclerosus and lichen planus?

The main difference between the two conditions is that LP has a propensity to involve the mucous membranes including the mouth and vagina which are rarely affected in LS. First-line treatment for LS is a super-potent topical corticosteroid ointment which has a high response rate.

Do Dermatologists treat lichen planus?

To make sure that you have lichen planus, a dermatologist may remove a bit of skin.

Is coffee good for lichen planus?

Stop eating foods and drinking beverages that can worsen lichen planus in the mouth. These include spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and foods made with tomatoes, snacks that are crispy and salty, and drinks that contain caffeine.

Can baking soda help oral lichen planus?

baking soda and lemon are very much effective in treating OLP. The commonly used homeopathic medicines used for the treatment of OLP are plantaga, mercsol and borax. The non pharmacological approaches used for treating OLP include PUVA therapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy and CO2 laser.

Is lichen planus lifelong?

It is often painful and sometimes itchy. If it is not treated, lichen planus can cause permanent scarring and possibly cancer. For most women it is a lifelong condition.

Is salt water rinse good for lichen planus?

Avoid caffeinated beverages and acidic beverages. 4. Salt water or baking soda rinses sometimes calm tissues. Rinse as needed.

What is the difference between lupus and lichen planus?

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder with unknown etiology. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known as a prototypic autoimmune disease. Cytokines play a key role in the pathogenesis of both diseases.

Can lichen planus make you feel unwell?

Skin irritation, headache, nausea and tiredness can be side-effects. PUVA - this is a special light therapy that may be advised by a skin specialist if you have extensive and severe lichen planus.