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LICHEN PLANUS

Lichen Planus is a very itchy skin condition that results in slightly bluish red raised lesions.  They are seen on the limbs particularly on the inner parts of the wrists, thighs, legs.  In the mouth tiny lacy streaky pattern of white lines may be seen.

  The palms and sole show yellowish pink papules.  The nails may be affected with thinning of nail plate, grooves in nails and the entire nail may be lost. 

 No cause is known but certain drugs like gold, heavy metals, beta blockers (Atenolol, propanalol), NSAIDS, chloroquine can produce such a rash.  If you have contact with photo color film developing chemicals then a similar rash may develop. 

 The course is usually unpredictable.  Most times it lasts for upto 2 years whereas patients with oral lesions may have it for upto 5 years.

Treatment

Topical steroids are usually advised and control itching.  Systemic medications like steroids, retinoids, griseofulvin may be prescribed by your doctor in difficult and stubborn lichen planus. 

 Single large lesions may be injected with intralesional steroids.

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