Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that usually affects the skin, the mouth, or sometimes both.

Cause

The cause of lichen planus is not known, however there are cases of lichen planus-type rashes (known as lichenoid reactions) occurring as allergic reactions to medications for high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis. Lichen planus affects men and women equally, and occurs most often in middle-aged adults.

Clinical features

The typical rash of lichen planus takes the form of well-defined, purplish, polygonal, extremely itchy bumps on the skin. The commonly affected sites are near the wrist and the ankle. The rash tends to heal with prominent blue-black or brownish discoloration that persists for a long time. Besides the typical lesions, many morphological varieties of the rash may occur. Inside the mouth, the disease usually manifests as whitish streaks on the mucosa. Lichen planus may also affect the genital mucosa.

Cure

Currently there is no cure for lichen planus but there are certain types of medicines used to reduce the effects of the inflammation. Lichen planus may go into a dormant state after treatment. There are also reports that lichen planus can flare up years after it is considered cured.

Medicines used to treat lichen planus include:

• Oral and topical steroids.
• Oral retinoids
• immunosuppressant medications
• hydroxychloroquine

Lichen planopilaris

Lichen Planopilaris is the specific name given to lichen planus on the scalp that may cause permanent, scarring alopecia. If left untreated the scarring will cause permanent hair loss.