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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffLichen planus on the skin usually clears without treatment within several months, but it may take as long as two years. Mild symptoms typically require only self-care measures and periodic observation by your doctor. More-bothersome symptoms may be treated with ointments or creams to reduce inflammation and itching.
Treatment may include:
- Antihistamines
- Phototherapy with ultraviolet light
- Cream or ointment applied to the skin (topical medication) containing corticosteroids
- Cream or ointment containing a steroid-sparing immune-modulating medication, such as imiquimod (Aldara) or tacrolimus (Protopic)
- Pills taken by mouth (oral) corticosteroid medications, in severe cases
If you have lichen planus of the mucous membranes, treatment is often challenging and may take years. Oral corticosteroid medications in addition to high-potency corticosteroids applied to the affected areas are often prescribed in these cases.
