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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Lichen planus (LIE-kun PLAY-nus) is an inflammatory condition that can affect your skin and mucous membranes.
On the skin, lichen planus usually appears as purplish, often itchy, flat-topped bumps. When mucous membranes are affected — such as tissues inside the mouth or vagina — lichen planus appears as lacy white patches or sores that can be painful.
Lichen planus can't be passed from one person to another. The disorder occurs when the immune system mounts an attack against cells of the skin or mucous membranes. The reason for this abnormal immune response is unknown.
Mild cases of lichen planus may need relatively simple at-home care or no treatment. When symptoms are severe, such as pain or significant itching, treatments may include drugs that suppress the immune system abnormalities.
- Lichen planus. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch116/ch116g.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Lichen planus. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_lichen.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Lehman JS, et al. Lichen planus. International Journal of Dermatology. 2009;48:682.
- Holzberg M. Common nail disorders. Dermatologic Clinics. 2006;24:349.
- Goldstein AT, et al. Vulvar lichen planus. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2005;48:818.
- Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/default.asp. Accessed April 18, 2010.
- Glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/gi-osteoporosis.asp. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Choonhakarn C, et al. The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus: A randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2008;158:573.
- Rajar UD, et al. Efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of vulval lichen planus. Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons - Pakistan. 2008;18:612.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2010.
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