2. Symptoms
Bumps. Sometimes the bumps and patches itch.
Thick patches are most likely to itch.
Often causes bumps that are shiny, firm, and
reddish purple
3. Blisters. These are rare.
Pain, especially on the genitals. The skin can
be bright red and raw. Open sores can appear.
These can make sex painful or impossible.
4. Diagnosis
Looking at your skin, nails, and mouth.
To make sure that you have lichen planus, a
dermatologist may remove a bit of skin.
This skin will be examined under a microscope to
make sure. Your dermatologist may call this a
biopsy.
Sometimes, you may need blood tests to rule out
other diseases.
5. Causes
One theory is that lichen planus is an autoimmune
disease.
This means the person’s immune system reacts as
though the skin and other parts of the body are
foreign.
When this happens, the body starts to attack itself.
6. There may be a link between lichen planus and
infection with the hepatitis C virus. Many people
with hepatitis C also have lichen planus
What causes most cases of lichen planus
remains unclear. Its is not known to spread by
any means from host to host
7. Treatments
There is no cure for lichen planus. It often goes
away on its own. If symptoms are bothersome,
treatment often brings relief and may speed
healing.
Pills. Pills can be prescribed to relieve itching
Topical corticosteroid . Cream or ointment to
reduce swelling and redness
PUVA therapy: A type of light treatment that can
help clear the skin. Typically used on more extreme
cases
8. Bibliography
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Online
article. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, 22 Feb. 2013. Web. 30
Sept. 2013.
Lichen-Planus-4. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.
LichenPlanus2_image. Digital image. N.p., n.d.
Web.
Planus,lichen5_image.Digital image. N.p., n.d.
Web.
Staff, AAD. "Definition." Online article. AAD-
dermatology-a-to-z. Research, 14 Nov. 2010.
Web. 30 Sept. 2013.
