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. This is a less common variant, shown here with
scales.
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)
