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Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus

It is an inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes. It is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when our immune system mistakenly attacks cells of the skin and mucous members. It is not known why this type of immune response occurs. Several contributing factors plays a role in development of lichen planus.

Potential causes include :

  • Viral infection
  • Allergy
  • Stress
  • Genetics

sometime in association with other autoimmune disorder. It does not spread by skin to skin contact. Some variety of lichen planus can be serious and painful. Itchy purplish skin coloured lesions, which are plane topped can appear on skin. Bumps may appear in cluster or lines. These lesions tends to develop and spread over the body over the course of several weeks or a few months. Lichen planus can also involve mucous membrane of mouth and genital area where it forms lacy white patches sometimes with painful ulcer . Less commonly lichen planus also involves Nails and scalp.

Causes and risk factors:

It’s cause is unknown, but it can occur to anyone at any age. There are certain contributory factors like family history of lichen planus, having a viable disease like Hepatitis-C, exposure to certain antibiotics, Gold, Arsenic, Dyes, Iodide compounds. Diagnosis can easily be made by clinically a dermatologist. In case of doubt, Skin Biopsy can be performed.

Treatment :
  • Mild cases usually takes weeks to months with or without treatment. Medications helpful in lichen planus are as follows:
  • Corticosteroids can be given topical, oral or given as Intralesional injection.
  • Main aim is to reduce the inflammation and itching.
  • Immune modulator like Tacrolimus, Vitamin-D, Vitamin-E can be beneficial.
  • NBUVB light therapy, Excimer 308 mm has shown excellent results in treatment and preventing recurrences.