BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuLichen planusLichen planus is a condition that forms a very itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth.RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. It may be related to an allergic or immune reaction.Risks for the condition include:Exposure to certain medicines, dyes, and other chemicals (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinine, phenothiazines, and diuretics) Diseases such as hepatitis CHepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lichen planus mostly affects middle-aged adults. It is less common in children. Symptoms Mouth sores are one symptom of lichen planus. They:Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article May be tender or painful (mild cases may not cause pain) Are located on the sides of the tongue, inside of the cheek, or on the gums Look like bluish-white spots or pimples Form lines in a lacy network Gradually increase in size Sometimes form painful ulcersUlcersAn ulcer is a crater-like sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers form when the top layers of skin or tissue have been removed. They can occur ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin sores are another symptom of lichen planus. They:Usually appear on the inner wrist, legs, torso, or genitals Are extremely itchy Have even sides (symmetrical) and sharp borders Occur alone or in clusters, often at the site of a skin injury May be covered with thin white streaks or scratch marks Are shiny or scaly looking Have a dark, violet color May develop blisters or ulcers BlistersA vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister on the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms of lichen planus are: Dry mouth Hair loss Metallic taste in the mouth Ridges in the nails Exams and Tests Your health care provider may make the diagnosis based on the appearance of your skin or mouth lesions.A skin lesion biopsy or biopsy of a mouth lesion can confirm the diagnosis.Skin lesion biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and speed healing. If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.Treatments may include:Antihistamines Medicines that calm down the immune system (in severe cases) Lidocaine mouthwashes to numb the area and make eating more comfortable (for mouth sores) Topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and lower immune responses Corticosteroid shots into a sore Vitamin A as a cream or taken by mouth Other medicines that are applied to the skin Dressings placed over your skin with medicines to keep you from scratching Ultraviolet light therapy Outlook (Prognosis) Lichen planus is usually not harmful. Most often, it gets better with treatment. The condition often clears up within 18 months, but may come and go for years.If lichen planus is caused by a medicine you are taking, the rash should go away once you stop the medicine. Possible Complications Mouth ulcers that are present for a long time may develop into oral cancer.Mouth ulcersMouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Oral cancerOral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:Your skin or mouth lesions change in appearance The condition continues or gets worse, even with treatment Your dentist recommends changing your medicines or treating conditions that trigger the disorderOpen ReferencesReferencesJames WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Lichen planus and related conditions. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 12.Patterson JW. An approach to the interpretation of skin biopsies. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 2.AllVideoImagesTogLichen planus - close-up - illustration Lichen planus is an intensely itchy (pruritic) inflammatory lesion of the skin. The lesions are generally violaceous (red-purple), slightly raised bumps (papules) with fine scales. The papules may run together (coalesce) to form a larger raised surface (plaque). This is a condition usually seen in adults, although it can occur in children.Lichen planus - close-upillustrationLichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration Lichen nitidus consists of tiny flesh colored to pink raised lesions (papules). The papules are asymptomatic but persist for long periods of time. They generally occur only on the abdomen, flexor surfaces of the elbows and palms, and on the male genitalia.Lichen nitidus on the abdomenillustrationLichen planus on the arm - illustration The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It appears as raised, many-sided purple bumps (violaceous polygonal papules) with overlying white lines (Wickham's striae). It commonly involves the wrists (flexor surface), lower back (lumbar region), shins, and ankles. The lesions often itch. Females are more frequently affected than males and the age range is approximately 30 to 60 years of age.Lichen planus on the armillustrationLichen planus on the hands - illustration The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It appears as raised, many-sided purple bumps (violaceous polygonal papules) with overlying white lines (Wickham's striae). It commonly involves the wrists (flexor surface), lower back (lumbar region), shins, and ankles. The lesions often itch. Females are more frequently affected than males and the age range is approximately 30 to 60 years of age. This is a less common variant, shown here with scales.Lichen planus on the handsillustrationLichen planus on the oral mucosa - illustration Oral lichen planus occurs in about half of the people who have lichen planus on their skin. It consists of painless, whitish streaks on the mucous membranes. This may also produce ulcers, which are usually painful.Lichen planus on the oral mucosaillustrationLichen striatus - close-up - illustration Lichen striatus begins similarly to lichen planus, with small bumps (papules), but over a period of days expands to form a long streak or band of affected skin. The condition clears spontaneously (without medication) over a period of months. This condition is seen frequently in children less than 16 years old, but may also occur in adults.Lichen striatus - close-upillustrationLichen striatus on the leg - illustration Lichen striatus begins similarly to lichen planus, with small bumps (papules), but over a period of days expands to form a long streak or band of affected skin. It clears over a period of months without needing treatment. This condition is seen frequently in children less than 16 years old but, also occurs in adults.Lichen striatus on the legillustrationLichen striatus - close-up - illustration Lichen striatus begins similarly to lichen planus, with small bumps (papules), but over a period of days expands to form a long streak or band of affected skin. The condition clears spontaneously over a period of months. This condition is seen frequently in children less than 16 years old, but also occurs in adults.Lichen striatus - close-upillustrationLichen planus - close-up - illustration Lichen planus is an intensely itchy (pruritic) inflammatory lesion of the skin. The lesions are generally violaceous (red-purple), slightly raised bumps (papules) with fine scales. The papules may run together (coalesce) to form a larger raised surface (plaque). This is a condition usually seen in adults, although it can occur in children.Lichen planus - close-upillustrationLichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration Lichen nitidus consists of tiny flesh colored to pink raised lesions (papules). The papules are asymptomatic but persist for long periods of time. They generally occur only on the abdomen, flexor surfaces of the elbows and palms, and on the male genitalia.Lichen nitidus on the abdomenillustrationLichen planus on the arm - illustration The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It appears as raised, many-sided purple bumps (violaceous polygonal papules) with overlying white lines (Wickham's striae). It commonly involves the wrists (flexor surface), lower back (lumbar region), shins, and ankles. The lesions often itch. Females are more frequently affected than males and the age range is approximately 30 to 60 years of age.Lichen planus on the armillustrationLichen planus on the hands - illustration The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It appears as raised, many-sided purple bumps (violaceous polygonal papules) with overlying white lines (Wickham's striae). It commonly involves the wrists (flexor surface), lower back (lumbar region), shins, and ankles. The lesions often itch. Females are more frequently affected than males and the age range is approximately 30 to 60 years of age. This is a less common variant, shown here with scales.Lichen planus on the handsillustrationLichen planus on the oral mucosa - illustration Oral lichen planus occurs in about half of the people who have lichen planus on their skin. It consists of painless, whitish streaks on the mucous membranes. This may also produce ulcers, which are usually painful.Lichen planus on the oral mucosaillustrationLichen striatus - close-up - illustration Lichen striatus begins similarly to lichen planus, with small bumps (papules), but over a period of days expands to form a long streak or band of affected skin. The condition clears spontaneously (without medication) over a period of months. This condition is seen frequently in children less than 16 years old, but may also occur in adults.Lichen striatus - close-upillustrationLichen striatus on the leg - illustration Lichen striatus begins similarly to lichen planus, with small bumps (papules), but over a period of days expands to form a long streak or band of affected skin. It clears over a period of months without needing treatment. This condition is seen frequently in children less than 16 years old but, also occurs in adults.Lichen striatus on the legillustrationLichen striatus - close-up - illustration Lichen striatus begins similarly to lichen planus, with small bumps (papules), but over a period of days expands to form a long streak or band of affected skin. The condition clears spontaneously over a period of months. This condition is seen frequently in children less than 16 years old, but also occurs in adults.Lichen striatus - close-upillustrationRelated Information Rashes(Symptoms)Rheumatoid arthritis(Condition)Mouth ulcers(Condition)Oral cancer(Condition)Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 11/18/2022 Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Lichen planusLichen planus is a condition that forms a very itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth.RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. It may be related to an allergic or immune reaction.Risks for the condition include:Exposure to certain medicines, dyes, and other chemicals (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinine, phenothiazines, and diuretics) Diseases such as hepatitis CHepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lichen planus mostly affects middle-aged adults. It is less common in children. Symptoms Mouth sores are one symptom of lichen planus. They:Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article May be tender or painful (mild cases may not cause pain) Are located on the sides of the tongue, inside of the cheek, or on the gums Look like bluish-white spots or pimples Form lines in a lacy network Gradually increase in size Sometimes form painful ulcersUlcersAn ulcer is a crater-like sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers form when the top layers of skin or tissue have been removed. They can occur ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin sores are another symptom of lichen planus. They:Usually appear on the inner wrist, legs, torso, or genitals Are extremely itchy Have even sides (symmetrical) and sharp borders Occur alone or in clusters, often at the site of a skin injury May be covered with thin white streaks or scratch marks Are shiny or scaly looking Have a dark, violet color May develop blisters or ulcers BlistersA vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister on the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms of lichen planus are: Dry mouth Hair loss Metallic taste in the mouth Ridges in the nails Exams and Tests Your health care provider may make the diagnosis based on the appearance of your skin or mouth lesions.A skin lesion biopsy or biopsy of a mouth lesion can confirm the diagnosis.Skin lesion biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and speed healing. If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.Treatments may include:Antihistamines Medicines that calm down the immune system (in severe cases) Lidocaine mouthwashes to numb the area and make eating more comfortable (for mouth sores) Topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and lower immune responses Corticosteroid shots into a sore Vitamin A as a cream or taken by mouth Other medicines that are applied to the skin Dressings placed over your skin with medicines to keep you from scratching Ultraviolet light therapy Outlook (Prognosis) Lichen planus is usually not harmful. Most often, it gets better with treatment. The condition often clears up within 18 months, but may come and go for years.If lichen planus is caused by a medicine you are taking, the rash should go away once you stop the medicine. Possible Complications Mouth ulcers that are present for a long time may develop into oral cancer.Mouth ulcersMouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Oral cancerOral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:Your skin or mouth lesions change in appearance The condition continues or gets worse, even with treatment Your dentist recommends changing your medicines or treating conditions that trigger the disorderOpen ReferencesReferencesJames WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Lichen planus and related conditions. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 12.Patterson JW. An approach to the interpretation of skin biopsies. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 2.