"Lichen Planus Symptoms and Causes

Lichen Planus is an inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes associated with stress or prescription medications.

Incidence: Common
○ More than 200,000 US cases per year - about 1.5-2% of the population.
○ Treatable by a medical professional
○ Requires a medical diagnosis
○ Lab tests or imaging rarely required
○ Medium-term: resolves within months

Lichen planus occurs when the immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. On skin, lichen planus appears as purplish, itchy, flat-topped shiny bumps. On mucous membranes, such as in the mouth, it forms lacy white patches, sometimes with painful sores. Lichen planus usually goes away on its own over time. If symptoms are bothersome, topical creams and oral antihistamines may help.

Cause of lichen planus: The cause of lichen planus is from Hepatitis C, reactions to certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria. Reactions to metal fillings in your teeth has also been known to be a factor.