Lichen Planus

What is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a fairly common rash that usually develops on the skin or inside the mouth. The rash can be itchy or tender with some swelling and appear as either small, reddish purple raised bumps on the skin or as bluish-white spots in the mouth in a vaguely lacy pattern. The skin lesions tend to occur on the inside of the wrists or the torso, legs or genitals, but can also affect the scalp and nail beds. Mouth lesions most frequently affect the tongue or inside of the cheek but may occasionally appear on the gums.

Lichen planus most often affects middle-aged adults. It is not usually serious and may get better when treated with topical agents or medicated mouthwashes. Mild symptoms may not need treatment at all. In some cases, the disorder may last for weeks to months, usually clearing up within 18 months. Lichen planus can recur on and off for years after treatment, however. In rare cases, long-term ulcers in the mouth significantly increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

Lichen planus is rarely a serious disorder. However, left untreated, some cases do not resolve on their own but spread, and in the case of long-term ulcers inside the mouth, you run a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Seek prompt medical care if you have had mouth sores, an abnormal taste in the mouth, pain while chewing or swallowing, speech difficulties, or unexplained weight loss. Malignant lesions in the mouth may be painless at first and are often pale in color and may have deep cracks.

You should also seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for lichen planus but symptoms recur or are persistent, or if you have other concerns about your disorder.