Lichen planus
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.
Below is some general self-help advice that can help ease your symptoms and prevent them getting worse.
There are a number ofmedicationsand treatments that may be recommended for lichen planus of the skin, hair and nails. These are outlined below.
Corticosteroid creams and ointmentscontain corticosteroids (artificial hormones) and are used to treat inflammatory skin conditions. They are oftenreferred toas topical corticosteroids .
Topical corticosteroids help treat theswelling (inflammation) and redness caused by lichen planus. Strong topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate, are also effective in reducing any itchiness you may have.
Treatment is applied to the red or purple itchy spots, but should be stopped when the colour of the rash changes to brown or grey. This pigment change occurs when the inflammation has settled. Continuing to apply the corticosteroid cream to the brown areas of skin willgradually cause the skin to thin.
The side effects of corticosteroids can vary, depending on the:
Potential side effects of topical corticosteroids can include:
Always check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Corticosteroid tablets are sometimes used to treat severe cases of lichen planus, when the symptoms aren't being effectively controlled with creams or ointments.
Possible side effects of corticosteroid tablets used on a short-term basis can include:
Read moreaboutthe side effects of corticosteroids .
Other treatmentsrecommended for lichen planus of the skin are outlined below.
Mild cases of oral lichen planus won't need any treatment. In more severe cases, treatment includes:
In more severe cases of oral lichen planus, corticosteroid tablets (see above) may also be used on a short-term basis.
It can be difficult to prevent oral lichen planus, but to keep the lining of your mouth healthy it's recommended that you:
You should also maintain good oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth at leasttwice a day, and having regular dental check-ups ,so that any problems with your teeth or mouthcan be identified and treated early.
If corticosteroids are not effective in treating your symptoms, you may be prescribed a medication that suppresses your immune system to try to limit the autoimmune reaction that's thought to cause lichen planus.
These types of treatments are known as immunomodulating agents. Depending on which area of your body is affected by lichen planus, treatments that may be recommended for you can include: treatments such as tacrolimus
These treatments can causea number of different side effects, which your specialist can discuss with you.
You'll also need to have regular blood tests while taking immunomodulating agents, particularly inthe early stages of treatment.
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.