Lichen Planus Management
Lichen planus is characterised by an itchy rash made up of flat, purple-red bumps that can occur anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, but it most commonly affects the torso, limbs and wrists. It’s not contagious but can be very itchy and distressing. Get in touch today to find out how the team at The Dermatology Clinic can help.
Lichen planus can potentially affect anybody and vary in severity. It’s sometimes similar in appearance to other skin conditions, so it’s always a good idea to have an ongoing rash checked by a specialist. Find more information below on lichen planus, and the treatments available at The Dermatology Clinic London.
About lichen planus (LP)
Lichen planus typically appears as an itchy rash in the form of purple, flat topped bumps distributed symmetrically across the body. It usually appears on the torso and limbs, most classically affecting the wrists. The rash can be scaly in texture and sometimes appears scar-like. LP can also occur in the mouth, where it presents itself as lace-like white patches or dots on the lips, gums, tongue or inner cheeks.
Symptoms of lichen planus
The main symptom of lichen planus is itching and this can be extremely irritating, especially if it occurs in an intimate area such as the genitals.
This condition can also affect the nails, causing ridges to develop. It also thins the nails, making them more prone to splitting. LP that occurs on the scalp can lead to inflammation and in turn cause patchy hair loss.
It is unclear what causes lichen planus, but the symptoms can be very distressing. That’s why our experts at The Dermatology Clinic are dedicated to helping anyone who is suffering to manage their symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
Treating lichen planus
When you come to our dermatology clinic for a diagnosis, a qualified dermatologist will examine your rash and determine the best course of action. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be required.
Treatment of lichen planus will depend on the extent of your condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for LP, but we can offer a number of services to help relieve your symptoms and keep the condition under control. These include:
- Topical steroids
- Steroid injections
- Antihistamines
- Phototherapy
If you’re suffering from oral lichen planus, our experts may recommend oral medication as this type is more difficult to manage.
Do you think you might have lichen planus? As well as being itchy and uncomfortable, the physical appearance of this condition can cause you to feel distressed and self-conscious. Our team at The Dermatology Clinic are available to help in the calm surroundings of our London dermatology clinic.
