What Is Lichen Planus?
Lichen planus is a recurring inflammatory disease that appears as a rash on the skin and in the mouth. It may also show on the skin in the genital region, more commonly occurring in women than men. The disease causes one or two rash outbreaks that may last for months, or years, at a time.
Identification
The name lichen planus is derived from the disease's resemblance of the lichen plant, combined with the term, plans, which is Latin for flat. It is a non-infectious condition that affects about 2 percent of the population. Its cause is currently unknown, yet it is not considered to be an inherited disease, nor a form of cancer.
Considerations
Lichen planus is considered to be an autoimmune disease, due to its typical onset during the middle-aged years. The disease is suspected to cause white blood cells to attack the fast-growing cells of the body, namely the skin, nails, mucous membranes and hair, as if these are harmful pathogens.
Rash Presentation
The lichen planus rash appears as irritating, plateau-shaped bumps or lesions that may turn deep red in color. Wickham's striae are the white lichen planus lesions. The outbreaks usually appear on the inner ankles and in the folds of the wrists. The disease, however, is not restricted to these areas, and easily appears on most of the areas of the body.
Treatment
Generally, the lichen planus skin rash does not require treatment, only relief from the itching it may cause and skin medication to lessen the scarring from the disease. The discomfort of the skin rash may be soothed by using anti-itch creams and baths. Many times, the rash will resolve itself, leaving only skin discoloration that may also fade over time.
Oral Infection
When lichen planus affects the mouth, it forms white dot- or line-shaped patches. The oral form of lichen planus may not cause much discomfort, however, the more serious cases result in painful ulceration and sores within the mouth. Testing, including a biopsy, is usually done to confirm that the oral condition is caused by lichen planus.
Severe cases of oral lichen planus are monitored closely for the risk of oral cancer. The concern is raised when the rash is seen under the tongue.
Dermatologist Care
It is recommended that lichen planus be managed under the care of a dermatologist, who may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to manage the outbreak and discomfort of the rash. Furthermore, the dermatologist will monitor the progression of the rash, managing it and helping to prevent its spread to other areas of the body.
Tags: lichen planus, areas body, from disease, lichen planus, skin rash
