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Lichen Planus

An autoimmune inflammatory disease presenting with purple-red itchy papules on the skin and oral mucosa.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that develops when T lymphocytes attack the basal cells of the epidermis. It can affect the skin, oral and genital mucosa, scalp (lichen planopilaris), and nails.

Skin lesions are typically shiny, flat-topped, purplish-red papules and plaques; fine white lines (Wickham lines) are seen on their surfaces. They commonly settle on the inner wrist, ankle, waist, and genital area.

Oral involvement can occur as painful white net-like lines or ulcers, and oral lichen planus is known to carry a long-term oral cancer risk.

Symptoms

Itchy, shiny, purple-red papules
White net-like lines on the lesion surface (Wickham lines)
Symmetric distribution on inner wrists and legs
White reticular patches or painful ulcers in the mouth
Scarring hair loss on the scalp
Ridging, thinning, and splitting in nails
Koebner phenomenon (new lesion formation at trauma site)

Risk Factors

History of autoimmune disease
Hepatitis C infection (associated with lichen planus)
Gold, antimalarial drugs, or beta-blockers
Amalgam dental fillings (trigger for oral lichen planus)
Periods of high stress
Middle age (40-60 most affected group)
Genetic predisposition

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Long-standing non-healing white patches or ulcers in the mouth
  • If painful lesions are present in the genital area
  • When progressive hair loss on the scalp is noticed
  • When severe itching and widespread rash develops
  • If no response to treatment and symptoms are worsening

Treatment Methods

01
Topical corticosteroids (for mild-to-moderate skin involvement)
02
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (face and mucosal involvement)
03
Systemic corticosteroids (short-term for widespread, severe cases)
04
Phototherapy (NBUVB)
05
Oral retinoids or hydroxychloroquine (in resistant cases)
06
Oral mouth rinses and local steroid gels for oral mucosal involvement

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

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Related Health Topics

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Lichen Planus (Dermatology)

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Lichen planus presents as the classic 6 Ps — pruritic, polygonal, planar (flat-topped), purple, papules, and plaques — with characteristic Wickham striae; affects skin, mucosa (oral, genital), nails, and scalp; treatment includes potent topical corticosteroids, intralesional steroids, phototherapy, and systemic agents (acitretin, methotrexate, JAK inhibitors) for severe or refractory disease.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

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Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease commonly seen especially in children, flaring with genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells proliferate rapidly when the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, leading to thick scaly lesions.

Acne

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Acne is a skin disease resulting from clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, commonly seen in adolescence but can occur at any age.

Rosacea

Dermatoloji

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory facial skin disease characterized by recurrent flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory papules and pustules. Phymatous change and ocular involvement may complicate advanced disease.

Urticaria (Hives)

Dermatoloji

Urticaria is a skin condition with sudden pink-red wheals and intense itching that may follow an acute or chronic course.

Skin Fungal Infections

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Skin fungal infections are common, contagious skin diseases caused by dermatophytes and yeast fungi colonizing the upper layers of the skin.

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

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Alopecia is a general term for hair loss that can be genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or nutritional; early intervention can slow progression.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.