Lichen planus

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Your doctor or dermatologist will perform a physical examination to diagnose lichen planus. To confirm the diagnosis, you may need these tests:

  • Biopsy. During a punch biopsy test, your doctor removes a small section of your skin, which is then examined under a microscope for cell patterns characteristic of lichen planus. You'll receive local anesthetic to numb the site and likely require stitches to close the wound.
  • Hepatitis C test. A nurse or assistant may draw a small sample of blood for a lab test to determine if you have hepatitis C, a possible trigger for lichen planus.
  • Allergy tests. Your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist (allergist) to determine whether substances you regularly have contact with may be causing you to have allergic reactions that act as triggers for your condition.
Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
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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