What is a lichen on skin?
What is a lichen on skin?
Lichen planus (LIE-kun PLAY-nus) is a condition that can cause swelling and irritation in the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. On the skin, lichen planus usually appears as purplish, itchy, flat bumps that develop over several weeks.
What causes lichen planus on skin?
The cause of lichen planus is usually not known, although possible causes include: Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria. Reactions to metal fillings in your teeth.
What does lichen planus on skin look like?
Lichen planus of the skin appears as small, flat-topped, red-to-purple bumps with round or irregular shape. You may have just a few small bumps or you may have many. If you take a closer look, you might see white scales or flakes on them. Some may have wispy, gray-to-white streaks called Wickham’s Striae.
How do dermatologists treat lichen planus?
The first choice for treatment of lichen planus is usually a prescription corticosteroid cream or ointment. If that doesn’t help and your condition is severe or widespread, your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid pill or injection.
What causes lichen sclerosus to flare up?
What can aggravate lichen sclerosus? Irritants such as soap, detergents, shower gels and bubble baths can aggravate lichen sclerosus, so using these irritants should be avoided. Friction or damage to the skin can make it worse so overzealous washing and drying of the vaginal or anal area should be avoided.
What autoimmune disease causes lichen planus?
Etiology of Lichen Planus Lichen planus (LP) is thought to be caused by a T cell–mediated autoimmune reaction against basal epithelial keratinocytes in people with genetic predisposition.
How long does it take for lichen sclerosus to go away?
Initial treatment usually requires daily application of the ointment for one to three months to resolve the symptoms and reduce inflammation. After the initial course, most women require “maintenance” therapy with either less frequent application of the strong steroid ointment or a switch to a less potent steroid.
What is the best cream for lichen sclerosus?
Clobetsol propionate, also known as Dermovate, has been found to be very effective in treating lichen sclerosus flare ups. Dermovate cream can be used once or twice a day. Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% is also used in the management of lichen sclerosus.
Can vitamin D deficiency causes lichen planus?
The VDR receptor protects against invasion of microbes into the underlying connective tissue, and in the case of the oral lichen planus, epithelial destruction means apoptosis or planned cell death (15). Vitamin D deficiency results in impaired T cell proliferation and may therefore lead to the development of OLP.
What foods should you avoid if you have lichen planus?
They’ll likely hurt the most when you eat or drink foods that are spicy, salty, acidic (orange juice, tomatoes), or alcoholic. Crispy treats and drinks with caffeine can also cause problems. Your doctor can diagnose oral lichen planus by taking a small piece of skin from inside your mouth.