Lichen Planus Condition Symptoms
Lichen planus is a relatively common skin condition that can affect not only the skin but also the mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina. Although less commonly seen, the condition also can affect the nails and hair. It typically is a recurrent condition with episodes that last for weeks, months or even years. The cause of this condition is not known.
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Skin Symptoms
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Lichen planus on the skin is characterized by patches of very distinctive lilac- or violet-colored bumps that are flat on the top, shiny in appearance and multisided, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Although this distinctive rash may show up on any area of skin, it is seen most often on the neck, back, legs and the inside of wrists and ankles. In some cases, a light, lacy scaling may be seen over the rash. The rash of lichen planus is usually extremely itchy, although in about 20 percent of patients, there may be little, if any, discomfort.
Mucous Membrane Symptoms
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Lichen planus also may affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina. In the mouth, it often first appears as a white, lacy rash on the insides of the cheeks and may go undetected until the patient is examined by a dentist. The rash, which consists of lines of fine, white dots, rarely causes any significant discomfort. In extreme cases, ulceration may occur inside the mouth. The symptoms of vaginal lichen planus are unlikely to be overlooked, according to the University of Iowa's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. They include redness and soreness of the vagina and vulva, bleeding and/or pain during intercourse, vaginal discharge, and scarring that may narrow the vaginal opening.
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Effects on Nails and Hair
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Roughly 10 percent of lichen planus patients report changes in some of their nails. In most cases only a few of the fingernails and/or toenails are affected, with such symptoms as longitudinal grooving, splitting, cracking and occasional nail loss. Some middle-aged patients report scalp involvement, which may result in patchy hair loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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Diagnosis of lichen planus on the skin is fairly straightforward because its characteristic rash is unlike that seen in other skin disorders. Because there is no cure, treatment focuses on medications to relieve symptoms. Commonly prescribed medications are oral and topical corticosteroids and antihistamines to relieve itching and inflammation. Oral lichen planus usually resolves without treatment, but medicated mouthwashes may be prescribed if ulcers develop. The vaginal form of this condition usually is treated with steroidal creams or ointments.
Risk Factors
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Lichen planus is rarely seen in children, according to MedlinePlus, which adds that the condition is most widely diagnosed in middle-aged adults. Although the cause of this skin condition is unknown, there is thought to be a relationship between exposure to certain chemical substances, including drugs, and disorders such as Hepatitis C. MedlinePlus says that exposure to such substances as diuretics, antibiotics, chloroquine, gold, iodides, phenothiazines and quinacrine could increase the risk of contracting lichen planus.
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