Lichen planus

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

The cause of lichen planus is unknown, though strong evidence suggests that inflammation, controlled by the immune system, gives rise to the lesions. However, certain diseases, medical conditions or other factors may act as triggers of lichen planus in some people.

The possible triggers of lichen planus include:

  • Hepatitis C infection
  • Hepatitis B vaccine
  • Flu vaccine
  • Certain pigments, chemicals and metals
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others)
  • Certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis
Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Le Cleach L, et al. Lichen planus. New England Journal of Medicine. 2012;366:723.
  2. Sharma A, et al. Lichen planus: An update and review. Cutis. 2012;90:17.
  3. Usatine RP, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus. American Family Physician. 2011;84:53.
  4. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  5. Bradford J, et al. Management of vulvovaginal lichen planus: A new approach. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. 2013;17:28.
  6. Parashar P. Oral lichen planus. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2011;44:89.
  7. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Dec.28, 2012.
  8. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 10, 2013.
DS00782 Feb. 22, 2013

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