Lichen sclerosus (LIE-kun skluh-ROW-sus) is an uncommon condition that creates patchy, white skin that appears thinner than normal. It usually affects the genital and anal areas. Anyone can get lichen sclerosus but postmenopausal women are at higher risk.
What is the prognosis of lichen planus?
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.
Does plenical help cure.lichen planus?
Herbal Remedies for Lichen Planus helping to reduce stress, eliminate toxins, and reduce pain and inflammation . Herbal Treatment for Lichen Planus with an herbal supplement can help minimize the itching, burning sensation, and pain. "PLENICAL" is one of the best and helpful herbal supplements for Lichen Planus.
What you should know about lichen planus?
Lichen planus
- Overview. Lichen planus is an inflammatory disorder that appears as purplish, flat-topped bumps when it affects the skin.
- Symptoms. The signs and symptoms of lichen planus vary depending on the areas affected. ...
- Causes. Lichen planus occurs when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. ...
- Risk factors. ...
- Complications. ...
Is lichen planus linked to other diseases?
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 you have both lichen planus and lichen sclerosus?
Lichen planus and sclerosus can occur together on the vulva; biopsy of morphologically distinct areas and clinicopathological correlation may increase recognition of comorbid disease.
What autoimmune disease causes lichen planus?
Etiology of Lichen Planus Lichen planus (LP) is thought to be caused by a T cell–mediated autoimmune reaction against basal epithelial keratinocytes in people with genetic predisposition.
What causes lichen sclerosus to flare up?
The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role. Previous skin damage at a particular site on your skin may increase the likelihood of lichen sclerosus at that location. Lichen sclerosus isn't contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse.
What can be mistaken for lichen planus?
Lichen planus can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions (such as lichen sclerosus) so you might want to see a skin specialist (a dermatologist) or women's health specialist (a gynaecologist).
How did I get 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.
Is there a blood test for 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.
What should I wash with if I have lichen sclerosus?
Self-help for lichen sclerosus Avoid washing with soap or bubble bath – use plain water or an emollient wash instead, such as aqueous cream (but avoid leaving aqueous cream on the skin after washing) Avoid rubbing or scratching the area.
What autoimmune disease is lichen sclerosus?
The most common autoimmune diseases associated with lichen sclerosus are autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. In addition to an autoimmune factor, it appears that genetics has a pathogenetic role as well.
How do you know if lichen sclerosus is cancerous?
How is it diagnosed? Lichen sclerosus is normally diagnosed with a physical examination and conversation about your medical history with a doctor. To diagnose vulvar cancer, you'll first need a biopsy. A biopsy can help your medical team determine what kind of cancer you have.
Can you get lichen planus inside the vagina?
Oral lichen planus In the mouth, vagina and other areas covered by a mucous membrane, lichen planus forms lacy white patches, sometimes with painful sores.
What is the best cream for lichen planus?
For genital lichen planus lesions, triamcinolone ointment (Triderm) is a good firstline agent. Topical tacrolimus (Protopic) and clobetasol (Temovate) appear to be effective treatments for vulvovaginal erosive lichen planus.
Is vulvar lichen planus cancerous?
Vulval LP is not cancer. But it is thought that, over a long period of time, the inflammation caused by this skin condition increases the risk of cancer developing. A small number of people who have vulval LP may develop vulval cancer. This rarely happens when the condition is well controlled.
Is lichen planus a serious autoimmune disease?
Lichen planus isn't an autoimmune condition, but it can cause a similar response. It's an idiopathic (meaning the cause is unknown) condition that causes inflammation in your skin.
Is lichen planus linked to lupus?
Analysis of data obtained from a Taiwan insurance database containing approximately 12,500 lichen planus patients revealed a significant association between lichen planus and systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome (significant in females only), dermatomyositis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata.
Is lichen planus a form of 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.
Is lichen planus autoimmune?
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).
Why do women have lichen planus?
It's thought that an autoimmune response may be partly to blame. Women who have a thyroid disorder, diabetes, or pernicious anaemia are more likely to experience Lichen Schlerosus or Lichen Planus.
Can you take steroids for chen planus?
If the Lichen Planus is spread over several areas of your body, or is not being controlled with cream, it may be more convenient and effective to take a short course of oral steroids.
Is lichen planus common in children?
Lichen Planus is hardly ever found in children or adolescents. It is most common in women of middle-age and older.
What is the difference between lichen planus and lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus affects the exterior of the vulva whereas lichen planus affects the inside of the vulva. Lichen planus has a high infinity for mucosal membranes, while LS does not. Lichen sclerosus is more common in the private areas while lichen planus often attacks the skin. Lichen sclerosus does not cause rawness inside the vagina, ...
How are Lichen Planus and Lichen Sclerosus similar?
Ways in which lichen planus and lichen sclerosus are similar includes; The etiology of both diseases is unknown. That is, there are no known causes of the conditions. Both are autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder is one that occurs when your immune overacts in a negative way affecting the body in one way or the other.
What is lichen planus?
Lichen planus is also a skin disorder that often affects the skin and in other cases, inside the mouth and vagina. Lichen planus comes in different forms, which are basically identified based on the area affected. For example, LP affecting the mouth is called oral LP, while lichen planus affecting the vulva is known as vulval lichen planus.
Why is it so hard to tell apart lichen planus?
There are certain conditions which are hard to tell apart because they have a tendency to develop in similar ways . Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus are two diseases, which are hard to tell apart without the right diagnosis from a specialist. It is therefore important to discern these two conditions and figure out whether they are related or not.
What is a lignin sclerosus?
What is Lichen Sclerosus? Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disorder that often affects the external genitalia – vulva, perianal region and head of the penis.
Is Lichen Sclerosus related to Lichen Planus?
However, you cannot deny the fact that both relate in terms of how they manifest and the basic information known about them. It is therefore important that whenever you experience symptoms caused by either of the diseases, you go for diagnosis. Sometimes, you may think you have lichen sclerosus, while in fact, you have lichen planus, and vice versa. The relationship between the two is linked via the symptoms a patient may be experiencing, as some of them do not distinguish the two illnesses properly. In addition to that, lichen sclerosus and lichen planus may be linked with other diseases, which are common in both such as alopecia areata and vitiligo.
Does lichen sclerosus cause itchy white spots?
Lichen sclerosus does not cause rawness inside the vagina, but lichen planus does. On one hand, Lichen sclerosus causes itchy white patches on the genitalia. On the other, lichen planus causes inflammations that may appear like red rashes with white streaks and are not necessarily itchy. Lichen sc lerosus is linked with diseases such as alopecia ...
What is a lichen planus?
Many medical experts join hands and define lichen planus to be an uncommon inflammatory skin condition that results in itchy or burning rash, painful purple or red lesions. This usually occurs on arms, legs or in the mouth but can also occur on the vulvar.
How to diagnose lichen planus?
This is usually done by evaluating the genital area including the vagina and examining the signs and symptoms of this condition. A vulvar biopsy may do to differentiate lichen planus from other causes of inflammation.
Why does vulvar cause chen planus?
Lichen planus on vulvar can also occur due to reaction towards certain medications. Medications that can contribute to its formation include the following: Common drugs used to treat cardiovascular problems. They are called beta-blockers. Anti-inflammatory treatments.
What are the conditions that can be associated with lichen planus?
More conditions that can be associated with lichen planus include diabetes, hypertension or allergic reaction to certain chemicals.
Is lichen planus a rare disease?
The clear cause of lichen planus is not yet discovered. It is a non-infectious, non-cancerous and non-hereditary inflammatory skin disorder. This condition is also not associated with nutrition though certain foods may aggravate the symptoms. This skin condition is approximated to affect 1% of the population and therefore it is a rare disease.
Can lichen planus cause cancer?
This condition usually presents in different forms, I mean it has varying symptoms. If it is not treated, lichen planus can cause permanent scarring and possibly cancer….For most women, it is a lifelong condition.
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.
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.
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.
Who diagnoses lichen planus?
Lichen planus is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider who specializes in skin conditions. This is most often a dermatologist, but a primary care physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner may also have special expertise in this area.
Is there a cure for lichen planus?
There is no cure for lichen planus, although it may resolve spontaneously (without treatment).
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 is the second line of treatment for vulval squamous cell carcinoma?
Second-line therapies include topical calcineurin inhibitors and systemic agents. There is limited evidence for systemic treatments for both conditions. The risk of vulval squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is increased in both LP and LS, and it is not known how treatment affects this risk.
Is lichen sclerosus immunologically mediated?
Lichen sclerosus (LS) and lichen planus (LP) are both immunologically mediated diseases with a preference for the genitalia.
Is lichen sclerosus a genitalia disease?
Lichen sclerosus (LS) and lichen planus (LP) are both immunologically mediated diseases with a preference for the genitalia. The basic principles of management of vulval LS and vulvovaginal LP are the same and involve explanation of the disease, emphasizing the chronic nature of the condition and ou …. Vulval lichen sclerosus and lichen planus ...
Is lichen sclerosus the same as vulval lp?
The basic principles of management of vulval LS and vulvovaginal LP are the same and involve explanation of the disease, emphasizing the chronic nature of the condition and outlining treatment options.
What Is Lichen Planus?
Genital lichen planus is a dermatological (skin) condition that affects the vulva (outer genital area), vagina, and anus. In women, the condition can lead to scarring and chronic inflammation of the vulva, which may cause sexual dysfunction, according to Drexel Medicine. Men can also get genital lichen planus, which shows up as pink, shiny, flat-topped papules in the genital area, according to a 2015 report.
What Are the Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus?
The main symptoms are itching and soreness, according to the NIH. There may be white, shiny patches on the vaginal skin. Some people may have blisters and bleeding in the vaginal area and may notice that their skin tears and bruises easily. Lichen sclerosus can be extremely painful, making sexual intercourse a source of physical distress.
What Are the Symptoms of Vulvar Lichen Planus?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following are possible symptoms of lichen planus:
What is the pink lichen on the genital area?
Men can also get genital lichen planus, which shows up as pink, shiny, flat-topped papules in the genital area, according to a 2015 report. This skin condition can also develop on other areas of the body, such as the inside of the mouth, the wrist, the ankles, and the lower back, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Why do some women not realize they have lichen sclerosus?
However, because of the similarities to other conditions, such as genital herpes, vaginitis, or yeast infections , some women may not realize they have lichen sclerosus or mistake it for other gynecological problems.
Can lichen sclerosus cause cancer?
If left untreated, lichen sclerosus can progress and cause serious effects. In rare cases, it's associated with an increased chance of vulvar cancer. About 4 percent of women with lichen sclerosus develop vulvar cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Is Lichen Planus contagious?
While the cause of lichen planus remains unclear, it is considered to be a chronic autoimmune skin disorder with periods of flare-ups and remission. It is not contagious, so you cannot give it to or receive it from anyone.
