Facts About Lichen Planus
Lichen planus, a type of skin disease, causes an itchy red rash to form on your skin, and is most common in middle-aged adults. Although the cause of the disease is unknown, doctors believe it occurs due to the malfunctioning of your immune system.
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Locations
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Lichen planus most commonly develops on your wrists, ankles and forearms, but may also occur on your scalp, lower back, neck and nails, explains the Mayo Clinic. Some people develop linchen planus along the mucous membranes that line the inside of your mouth, nose, genitals and anus.
Appearance
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On your skin, lichen planus appears as individual pink, red or dark purple raised bumps with flat tops that usually develop in lines or clusters. Inside your mouth, the disease looks like a lacy or spider-webbed pattern of pale white, gray or bluish spots on your tongue or along your cheeks.
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Size
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The average size of a lichen planus skin lesion is 2 to 4 cm in diameter, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Symptoms
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On your scalp, lichen planus may cause redness, irritation, hair thinning or hair loss, while on your nails, it is likely to cause grooving, splitting, thinning or complete nail loss. Symptoms of oral lichen planus include dry mouth, a metallic-taste, and pain experienced with the bumps rather than the itching, common with other types of the disease.
Treatment
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Treatments for lichen planus may involve suppressing the activities of your immune system, and typically involve the use of prescription medications like oral antihistamines, topical or oral corticosteroids, or immune-modulating medications, explains the Mayo Clinic. Some doctors also use phototherapy with ultraviolet lamps or lasers to treat the condition.
Prognosis
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Although unpleasant, lichen planus typically causes no long-term health problems and responds to treatment within 18 months, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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