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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Signs and symptoms of lichen planus vary depending on what parts of the body are affected. The disorder rarely worsens after the first few months, but the symptoms may persist for months or several years.
Skin
If you have lichen planus affecting your skin, you may experience the following signs or symptoms:
- Purplish, flat-topped bumps may appear anywhere on the body, but they are most often located on the inner forearm and near the wrists or ankles. Other common locations include the lower back, neck and legs.
- Bumps may appear in lines along creases in the skin, in clusters, or along the site of a scratch or other injury.
- Bumps may appear to be covered with fine, lacy white lines.
- The affected skin is often itchy.
- Rarely, the bumps become crusty, scabby or blistery.
- The lesions rarely scar unless they are scratched deeply.
- When the lesions eventually disappear, the skin may have a dark brownish discoloration that may eventually fade away.
Mouth
When the condition affects the mouth (oral lichen planus), symptoms may include the following:
- Patches of lacy white lines or white dots appear most often on the inside of cheeks. The gums, lips and tongue also may be affected.
- Sores or ulcers may also appear in the mouth. These tend to cause pain or a burning sensation.
Genitals
Lichen planus affecting the genitals is less common in men.
- Men. The purplish skin lesions and itching most often affect the tip of the penis (glans).
- Women. Lichen planus can cause purplish skin lesions and itching on the external genitalia (vulva) or painful, burning sores on the mucous membrane lining the vagina. Scarring is possible, but uncommon, after the skin and mucous membranes heal.
Scalp
Lichen planus affecting the scalp is relatively rare. The name given for this condition is lichen planopilaris. The lesions may result in:
- Temporary or permanent hair loss
- Scarring or discoloration of the scalp after it has healed
Nails
Although lichen planus rarely affects the nails, it can cause the following problems with one or more nails of the fingers or toes:
- Ridges running the length of the nail
- Thinning or splitting of the nail
- Temporary or permanent nail loss
When to see a doctor
If tiny bumps or a rash-like condition appears on your skin for no apparent reason, such as a known allergic reaction or contact with poison ivy, see your doctor. Also, see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms associated with lichen planus of the mouth, genitals, scalp or nails. Because a number of skin and mucosal conditions can cause lesions and discomfort, it's best to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
- 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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