Lichen planus is a disease in which there is an itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth.

The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. However, it is likely to be related to an allergic or immune reaction.

Risks include:

• Exposure to medications, dyes, and other chemical substances (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinide, phenothiazines, and diuretics)
• Disorders such as hepatitis C

Lichen planus generally affects middle-aged adults. It is less common in children.

Images

Lichen planus on the oral mucosa

Lichen planus on the arm

Lichen striatus on the leg

Lichen striatus - close-up

Lichen planus - close-up

Lichen planus on the hands

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen

Lichen striatus - close-up

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Lichen planus Symptoms

Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)