The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. However, it is likely to be related to an allergic or immune reaction.
Risks include:
Exposure to medications, dyes, and other chemical substances (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinide, phenothiazines, and diuretics)
The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms and speed healing of the skin lesions. If symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.
Treatments may include:
Antihistamines
Immune-suppressing medications, such as cyclosporine (in severe cases)
Lidocaine mouth washes -- to numb the area temporarily and make eating more comfortable (for mouth lesions)
Topical corticosteroids (such as clobetasol) or oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) -- to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses. Corticosteroids may be injected directly into a lesion.
Topical retinoic acid cream (a form of vitamin A) and other ointments or creams -- to reduce itching and inflammation and aid healing
Dressings may be placed over topical medications to protect the skin from scratching.
Ultraviolet light therapy may be helpful in some cases.
Lichen planus is generally not harmful and may get better with treatment. However it may last for weeks to months, and may come and go for years. It usually clears up within 18 months.
The condition continues or worsens even with treatment
Your dentist recommends adjusting your medications or treating conditions that trigger the disorder
Update Date:
10/3/2008Updated by:
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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