Lichen Planus

Causes of lichen planus

Source: NHS

In this topic (8)

Thecause of lichen planus is unknown.

It's thoughtto be related to the immune system, or an abnormal response of the immune system to certain medicines.

Lichen planus isn't infectious, doesn't usually run in families and can't be passed on to others.

Autoimmune reaction

The immune system protects your body against illness and infectionby producing antibodies (proteins)that attack bacteria and viruses.

In people with lichen planus, it's thought that the immune system becomes overactive, causing an excess amount of proteins to be produced, which inflame the skin. This is known as an autoimmune reaction and causes the symptoms of lichen planus .

Reaction to medication

A reaction to certain medications is another possible cause of lichen planus. For example:

  • gold injections these are disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that are sometimes injected into the muscles of people with Arthritis to help reduce inflammation and painful joints
  • antimalarial tablets these help treat and prevent malaria (a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes)

Articles for Lichen Planus

'I try to keep my stress levels down'

Dale Hodgson was diagnosed with oral lichen planus when she was 44, and has learnt to adapt her lifestyle in order to cope.

'I was in so much pain I had to give up my job'

Bridget Nelson was diagnosed with a painful, erosive form of lichen planus that affected her mouth and vulva.

Causes of lichen planus

The cause of lichen planus is unknown. It's thought to be related to the immune system, or an abnormal response of the immune system to certain medicines.

Complications of lichen planus

Complications of lichen planus may include discoloured skin and, in some cases, erosive lichen planus may develop into certain types of cancer.

Diagnosing lichen planus

If you have lichen planus of the skin, your GP will examine the affected area and may be able to make a diagnosis based on the characteristic rash.

Introduction

Lichen planus is a non-infectious, itchy rash that can affect many areas of the body.

Symptoms of lichen planus

The symptoms of lichen planus vary, depending on which area of the body is affected. Affected areas can include the skin, mouth, penis and vulva.

Treating lichen planus

There's no cure for lichen planus, so treatments aim to ease the symptoms and clear the rash. Mild lichen planus doesn't require treatment.