What is Lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a condition that affects the skin, hair, nails, mouth, and genitals. On the skin, it typically presents as itchy, flat, purple bumps that emerge gradually over several weeks. In the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals, lichen planus manifests as white, lacy patches, occasionally accompanied by painful sores.

Causes:

The cause of lichen planus is usually not known, although possible causes include:

• Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver
• Pain relievers and other medicines.
• An allergic reaction to the metal in dental fillings.
• An autoimmune reaction, meaning the body's own defense system, the immune system, attacks your mouth and skin cells by mistake 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of lichen planus vary, depending on which area of the body is affected.

Skin:

‍The shiny red or purple bumps are the most common symptoms. They can be firm and may cause a little or a lot of itching. You may have a few or many of these bumps. Along with the bumps, you may notice fine white lines or scales. These bumps can appear anywhere on your body, but they are most commonly found on your wrists, arms, back, and ankles. On your shins and ankles, you may see thick scaly patches. Sometimes, if your skin has been scratched or burned, bumps may appear in that area. As the skin bumps fade, they may be replaced by dark skin patches. These patches usually go away after several months.

Mouth:

‍Lichen planus inside your mouth can appear as lacy patches with small white dots. These patches might be on the inside of your cheeks or your tongue. In some cases, they may not cause any other problems, but in more severe instances, you might experience redness and sores.

Nails:

Lichen planus can show up on some or all of your fingernails and toenails. Signs of this condition include thinning, ridges, splitting, and even nail loss.

Scalp:

Redness, irritation, and small bumps have the potential to develop on your scalp. In certain instances, hair thinning and the appearance of bald patches may occur.

Genitals:

Lichen planus in your genitals can cause bright red, painful areas.

Diagnosis

To determine the cause of your illness, your healthcare provider will probably discuss your symptoms and medical history with you and conduct a physical examination. Additionally, you may need to undergo some tests. These tests could involve:

Biopsy: ‍

Your doctor removes a small piece of affected tissue for examination in a laboratory. They will examine the tissue to determine if it displays the characteristic cell patterns of lichen planus.

Blood tests:  

A blood test may be conducted to check for health issues associated with lichen planus. For example, hepatitis C.

Treatment:

If there are no symptoms present and your biopsy indicates lichen planus, treatment may not be necessary. Typically, lichen planus resolves itself within 2 years. However, if you experience symptoms such as intense itching or sores in your mouth or genital area, seeking treatment can provide relief. It is crucial to undergo treatment if lichen planus affects your scalp to prevent irreversible hair loss.

• Lichen planus cannot be cured, but there are various treatments available to alleviate your symptoms and promote faster healing. Some potential treatments include:
• Antihistamine medicine to relieve itching
• A type of ultraviolet light treatment called PUVA
• Applying steroids to your skin or using them in your mouth to combat inflammation.
• Retinoic acid is a medication derived from vitamin A commonly used for treating acne.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Taking care of yourself can ease itching and pain from lichen planus. Some steps to help include:

• Bathe in lukewarm water, add an oatmeal-based bath product like Aveeno, thoroughly rinse, gently pat yourself dry, and then apply a moisturizer.
• Apply a cool, damp cloth.
• Avoid scratching your skin and injuring your nails.
• If you have oral lichen planus, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.