Causes
While lichen planus very rarely leads to oral cancer, irritation of lichen planus by tobacco and alcohol, poorly fitting dentures, and poor oral hygiene can turn lichen planus into the erosive type. It is probably the combination of these irritants over time along with erosive lichen planus that leads to oral cancer.
Symptoms
Usually lichen planus clears up on its own within two years of onset—but for some, particularly when there is oral, vaginal, or nail involvement, the condition lingers longer and may sometimes recur. Depending on the severity of the rash, lichen planus can cause scarring.
Complications
The coexistence of lichen planus and these diseases intensifies the condition, making it grimmer for the patient. Lichen Planus is also linked with Hepatitis C virus infection, which has been found to be a major cause of liver diseases.
Can lichen planus turn into cancer?
While lichen planus is not considered a “serious” disease, it is linked to several types of cancer. For example, women who have lichen planus in the vulva or vagina have an increased risk of developing vulvar cancer, a cancer that typically presents no symptoms.
What is the prognosis of lichen planus?
Is lichen planus linked to other diseases?
Is lichen planus related to cancer?
What diseases are linked to lichen planus?
Lichen planus is a cell-mediated immune response of unknown origin. It may be found with other diseases of altered immunity; these conditions include ulcerative colitis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, dermatomyositis, morphea, lichen sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis.
Is lichen planus linked to autoimmune diseases?
Conclusion: Lichen planus is associated with various autoimmune diseases. Further study is required to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms and roles of autoimmunity in the aetiology of LP.
What is the root cause of lichen planus?
The cause of lichen planus is usually not known, although possible causes include: Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria. Reactions to metal fillings in your teeth.
Is lichen planus related to lupus?
Lupus erythematosus (LE) and lichen planus (LP) are two distinct and well established dermatoses which occasionally can occur as an overlap syndrome. Overlap syndrome is characterized by mixed clinical and histopathological features of both LE and LP.
Why do I keep getting lichen planus?
The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It's thought to be related to the immune system, or an abnormal response of the immune system to certain medicines. Lichen planus isn't infectious, doesn't usually run in families and can't be passed on to others.
Can a blood test detect lichen planus?
Your healthcare provider or dentist may diagnose lichen planus based on the changes on your skin or in your mouth. To make sure of the diagnosis, you may need these tests: Blood test. This can rule out other causes of your symptoms.
How I cured my lichen planus skin?
The first choice for treatment of lichen planus is usually a prescription corticosteroid cream or ointment. If that doesn't help and your condition is severe or widespread, your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid pill or injection.
What is the fastest way to cure lichen planus?
There isn't a cure for lichen planus. If you have lichen planus on your skin, in most cases, it goes away without treatment in as little as a few months to several years. The following treatments may help relieve your symptoms: Corticosteroid creams or ointments.
Should I be worried about lichen planus?
The disorder occurs when the immune system mounts an attack against cells of the oral mucous membranes for unknown reasons. Symptoms can usually be managed, but people who have oral lichen planus need regular monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas.
Is lichen planus related to MS?
Multiple sclerosis and lichen ruber planus are clinically and histologically distinct complex disorders of putative autoimmune aetiology that are fairly commonly observed in isolation but rarely found in combination. Only two previous reports have described lichen skin disorders in association with multiple sclerosis.
Can thyroid problems cause lichen planus?
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that commonly affects the oral cavity. Previous reports have suggested a possible association between LP and thyroid gland diseases (TGDs).
What can mimic lichen planus?
Squamous cell carcinoma can also mimic hypertrophic lichen planus; in addition, squamous cell carcinoma can develop in hypertrophic lichen planus lesions [2,6]. The clinical presentation of our patient's leg lesions mimicked those of verrucous lupus erythematosus.
Is lichens an autoimmune disease?
Lichen planus (LP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory autoimmune skin and mucous membrane disease. LP most commonly presents as itchy, shiny, reddish-purple spots (lesions) on the skin (cutaneous LP) or as white-gray lesions in the mouth or on the lips (oral LP).
Does lichen planus affect your immune system?
It's an idiopathic (meaning the cause is unknown) condition that causes inflammation in your skin. In lichen planus, your body's immune system attacks parts of your body instead of protecting your body from foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses.
What can lichen planus lead to?
Oral sores may affect your ability to eat. The affected skin might stay slightly darker even after the rash clears up, especially in dark-skinned people. Oral lichen planus increases the risk of oral cancer. Left untreated, lichen planus of the ear canal may lead to hearing loss.
Can lichen planus cause a positive ANA test?
However, antinuclear antibody (ANA) was reported to be positive by indirect immunofluorescence using rat esophagus, in mucosal erosive lichen planus, in 40.42% of patients [2].
What causes chen planus?
Lichen planus can be triggered by: 1 Hepatitis C infection 2 Flu vaccine 3 Certain pigments, chemicals and metals 4 Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others) 5 Certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis
What is the condition called when the immune system attacks cells of the skin?
Lichen planus occurs when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. It's not clear why this abnormal immune response happens. The condition isn't contagious.
What causes a nail to thinning?
When it affects the nails, lichen planus causes thinning, ridging and splitting. Some people experience permanent nail loss.
Can Lichen Planus be treated at home?
In the mouth, vagina and other areas covered by a mucous membrane, lichen planus forms lacy white patches, sometimes with painful sores. Most people can manage typical, mild cases of lichen planus at home, without medical care. If the condition causes pain or significant itching, you may need prescription drugs.
Can anyone develop Lichen Planus?
Anyone can develop lichen planus. But the condition most often affects middle-aged adults. Oral lichen planus most often affects middle-aged women.
What causes lichen planus?
What causes most cases of lichen planus remains unclear. One theory is that lichen planus is an autoimmune disease. This means the person’s immune system react s as though the skin and other parts of the body are foreign. When this happens, the body starts to attack itself. To find out whether lichen planus is an autoimmune disease, we need more research.
How to tell if you have lichen planus?
We do know the following: 1 Some medicines can cause a rash that looks like lichen planus. These medicines include diuretics (treatment for high blood pressure and heart disease) and medicine taken to prevent malaria. Be sure to tell your dermatologist about every medicine that you take. 2 In the mouth, a metal filling may be the cause. This is rare, but it can happen. If this is the cause, replacing the metal filling with a non-metal filling will get rid of the lichen planus. 3 A rare type of lichen planus, familial bullous lichen planus, runs in families. Other forms of lichen planus do not seem to run in families. 4 There may be a link between lichen planus and infection with the hepatitis C virus. Many people with hepatitis C also have lichen planus. Your dermatologist may check to see whether you have this virus.
Is Lichen Planus an autoimmune disease?
To find out whether lichen planus is an autoimmune disease, we need more research. We do know the following: Some medicines can cause a rash that looks like lichen planus. These medicines include diuretics (treatment for high blood pressure and heart disease) and medicine taken to prevent malaria.
Can a metal filling cause lichen planus?
In the mouth, a metal filling may be the cause. This is rare, but it can happen. If this is the cause, replacing the metal filling with a non-metal filling will get rid of the lichen planus. A rare type of lichen planus, familial bullous lichen planus, runs in families.
How to treat lichen planus?
Lichen planus has no cure, but different treatments can help relieve your symptoms and speed healing. Possible treatments include: 1 Antihistamine medicine to relieve itching 2 Steroids on your skin or in your mouth to fight inflammation (You may also take steroids in pill form for severe cases) 3 A type of ultraviolet light treatment called PUVA 4 Retinoic acid, a medicine derived from vitamin A and usually used for acne 5 Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, ointments used for eczema.
How long does it take for lichen planus to go away?
In most cases, lichen planus will go away within 2 years. If you have symptoms, such as severe itching or sores in your mouth or genital area, treatment can help. If you have lichen planus on your scalp, treatment is important to prevent permanent hair loss.
What causes redness on the scalp?
Scalp: Redness, irritation, and tiny bumps can form on your scalp. In some cases, hair may start to thin and patches of hair loss may occur. Genitals: Lichen planus in your genitals can cause bright red, painful areas.
Why does my mouth burn?
Inside your mouth, it may cause burning or soreness. The cause of lichen planus is usually not known, although possible causes include: Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria. Reactions to metal fillings in your teeth.
What are the red bumps on my wrists?
Skin: The most common symptoms are shiny red or purple bumps. These bumps are firm and may itch a little or a lot; you may have just a few or many of them. Fine white lines or scales may accompany the bumps. They can occur anywhere, but are most common on your wrists, arms, back, and ankles.
How many people get lichen planus?
About 1 in 100 people will get lichen planus at some time. It is not caused by an infection, and you can’t pass it on to others. Lichen planus usually affects men and women in middle age. Equal numbers of men and women get lichen planus of the skin, but women are twice as likely to get oral (inside the mouth) lichen planus. The disease is rare in people who are very young or very old.
What is the best treatment for acne?
Steroids on your skin or in your mouth to fight inflammation (You may also take steroids in pill form for severe cases) A type of ultraviolet light treatment called PUVA. Retinoic acid, a medicine derived from vitamin A and usually used for acne.
What causes a bumpy rash on the face?
On the skin, lichen planus causes itchy groups of bumps that are shiny, firm and slightly purple. Lichen planus in the mouth may be painful and look like a white lacy rash. Lichen planus of the nails causes distortion including ridges and grooves.
How to tell if you have lichen planus?
What are the symptoms of lichen planus? 1 On the skin, lichen planus causes itchy groups of bumps that are shiny, firm and slightly purple. 2 Lichen planus in the mouth may be painful and look like a white lacy rash. 3 Lichen planus of the nails causes distortion including ridges and grooves.
How long does it take for lichen planus to go away?
A majority of cases of lichen planus go away within 1 year if it is just on the skin. If involving the mouth the rash may be more severe, take longer and require treatment.
What is the condition that causes hair loss?
Lichen planus of the scalp, or lichen planopilaris, may be itchy or painful and cause alopecia ( hair loss ).
Where is lichen planus most commonly found?
Most commonly, it is seen on the skin of the arms and legs and inside the mouth. Lichen planus can also affect the nails and the skin in the genital area.
What causes a rash on the side of the mouth?
Environmental factors include viruses (particularly hepatitis C ), medications and allergic reactions to a foreign substance including metallic dental materials. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you were taking when you first noticed the rash.
Can lichen planus be diagnosed at an appointment?
While lichen planus can be diagnosed at your appointment, you may need a biopsy (having a small sample of skin removed to be examined) to confirm. Blood testing may also help your healthcare provider.
What are the lichen planus lesions?
Skin. Lesions usually appear as purplish, flat-topped bumps that are often itchy. Genitals. Lesions on the female genitalia often cause pain or burning and discomfort with intercourse.
Why do people with lichen planus need regular monitoring?
Symptoms can usually be managed, but people who have oral lichen planus need regular monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas.
What is the white patch on the inside of the cheek?
Oral lichen planus. This white lacelike patch on the interior surface of the cheek is typical for oral lichen planus. Oral lichen planus (LIE-kun PLAY-nus) is an ongoing (chronic) inflammatory condition that affects mucous membranes inside your mouth.
What causes lichen planus?
Causes. It's not known what causes oral lichen planus. However, T lymphocytes — certain white blood cells involved in inflammation — appear to be activated in oral lichen planus. This could indicate an immune disorder, and genetic factors may be involved. But more research is needed to determine the exact cause.
Why is my T lymphocyte activated?
However, T lymphocytes — certain white blood cells involved in inflammation — appear to be activated in oral lichen planus. This could indicate an immune disorder, and genetic factors may be involved. But more research is needed to determine the exact cause.
What does it mean when your cheeks are red?
Pain or discomfort. The white, lacy patches may not cause discomfort when they appear on the inside of the cheeks. However, symptoms accompanying red, swollen patches and open sores may include: Burning sensation or pain. Sensitivity to hot, acidic or spicy foods.
Can a lichen planus cause hearing loss?
Ears. Lichen planus of the ears can lead to hearing loss.
What is LPP in hair?
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) affects the scalp and hair. It is a form of lichen planus, an inflammatory condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms may include scaly skin and redness around hair follicles, bald patches, and pain, burning, or itching on the scalp. Tiny, red bumps ( papules) may appear around hair clusters.
What is the treatment for lichen planopilaris?
Treatment for lichen planopilaris (LPP) focuses on managing the symptoms and stopping the condition from spreading and getting worse. Different medications are used, including corticosteroids, anti-malarial drugs, antibiotics, and retinoids. [2] [4] These can be taken by mouth, injected, or put on the skin.
How do you know if you have lichen planopilaris?
Symptoms may include: [2] [3] Patches of hair loss. Scalp redness. Scalp pain or burning. Scalp itching. Lichen planopilaris usually occurs in adulthood between the ages of 30-60. It affects females more than males. It may occur gradually or suddenly, and it gets worse over time.
What is DermNet NZ?
DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
What is the HPO database?
People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources.
What causes LPP?
The cause of LPP is unknown. It is thought to be an auto-immune disorder of the hair follicles. A diagnosis of LPP is made based on a clinical exam and microscopic examination of a piece of tissue from the affected area. Treatment options may include different oral and topical medications and light therapy.
What is patient centered information?
Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics.
Symptoms
Who’s at Risk?
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
When to Call The Doctor
How to Manage Or Live with The Condition
- Lichen planus occurs when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. It's not clear why this abnormal immune response happens. The condition isn't contagious. Lichen planus can be triggered by: 1. Hepatitis C infection 2. Flu vaccine 3. Certain pigments, chemicals and metals 4. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin...