Lichen planus
The symptoms of lichen planus vary, depending on which area of the body is affected.
Areas of the body most commonly affected by the condition include the:
The symptoms of lichen planus of the skin are:
Lichen planus of the skin often affects the wrists, ankles and lower back, although other parts of the body can also be affected.
Thickened (hypertrophic) lichen planus affects the shins, and ring-shaped lichen planus affects creases in the skin, such as the armpits.
After thepapules have cleared, the affected area of skin can sometimes become discoloured.
The symptoms of oral lichen planus are:
Mild cases of oral lichen planus don't usually cause any pain or discomfort.
The symptoms of lichen planus of the penis are:
The symptoms of lichen planus of the vulva and vagina include:
Lichen planus can sometimes affect other areas, including:
Lichen planus is a non-infectious, itchy rash that can affect many areas of the body.
The symptoms of lichen planus vary, depending on which area of the body is affected. Affected areas can include the skin, mouth, penis and vulva.
The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It's thought to be related to the immune system, or an abnormal response of the immune system to certain medicines.
If you have lichen planus of the skin, your GP will examine the affected area and may be able to make a diagnosis based on the characteristic rash.
There's no cure for lichen planus, so treatments aim to ease the symptoms and clear the rash. Mild lichen planus doesn't require treatment.
Complications of lichen planus may include discoloured skin and, in some cases, erosive lichen planus may develop into certain types of cancer.
Dale Hodgson was diagnosed with oral lichen planus when she was 44, and has learnt to adapt her lifestyle in order to cope.
Bridget Nelson was diagnosed with a painful, erosive form of lichen planus that affected her mouth and vulva.