The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It appears as raised,
many-sided purple bumps (violaceous polygonal papules) with
overlying white lines (Wickham's striae). It commonly involves the
wrists (flexor surface), lower back (lumbar region), shins, and
ankles. The lesions often itch. Females are more frequently
affected than males and the age range is approximately 30 to 60
years of age.
Review Date: 05/13/2011
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)
