It is a very common skin disorder, commonly affection young adults.
Both the sexes are equally affected.
It can involve skin or mucous membrane or both.
It is autoimmune in origin, but many other triggering agents have been identified. Some of these are:
Although the term used in cases of any triggering factor being present, is lichenoid reaction.
Itching- most common complaint could vary in intensity.
Sudden eruption of lesions
Pigmentation/ discolouration over oral cavity
Burning sensation or ulcer in mouth.
Skin: flexor aspect of wrists, forearm, shins, ankle, dorsa of feet, anterior thighs and flanks.
Mucous membrame: buccal mucosa, lips, and genitalia
Nails changes can occour.
Over skin: They appear as flat toped, polygonal, reddish or violet like, flat shiny raised slightly scaly lesions. Sometimes, they appear in line along the scratch or trauma lines.
Over mucosa of mouth : it can present as the net-like or spider web-like appearance of lacy white lines (reticular pattern), or as oral ulcers presenting with persistent, irregular areas of redness, ulcerations and erosions covered with a yellow slough(ulcerative type), or as a white patch which may resemble leukoplakia (plaque type), or sometimes fluid filled tiny lesions can be seen (bullous variant).
Lichen planus has a typical appearance which helps in its diagnosis.
Also, if an oil- drop is placed on lesion; criss-cross white lines are seen.
Diagnosis can be confirmed by taking a skin biopsy.
Most of the treatment is directed towards the symptomatic relief or due to cosmetic concern.
First line of treatment is corticosteroids- topical and oral preparation.
Apart from it other options include- retinoid, vitamin D3 analogues.
Systemic – Dapsone, hydroxychloroquine, cyclosporine can be used.
Topical–Pimecrolimus, Tacrolimus can be used .
Other modalities can be combined such as phototherapy, cryotherapy.
Symptomatic treatment includes anti-itching medications, moisturizing agent.
At Skin & You Clinic, we have treated a number of cases with excellent results. Our team of doctors are well versed in treating the condition with utmost care andunder medical guidance.