Highlights & Basics
- Lichen planus is an idiopathic inflammatory disease affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, usually self-limiting in nature.
- Characteristic eruption consists of itchy, shiny, flat-topped violaceous papules and plaques favoring the extremities.
- White net-like patches or ulceration of mucous membranes, nail deformity, scarring alopecia, and other types of skin lesions may also occur.
- Most patients develop the disease between ages 30 and 60 years.
- Hepatitis C infection may increase susceptibility, especially to oral disease.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
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Definition
Epidemiology
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Citations
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin no. 224: diagnosis and management of vulvar skin disorders. Jul 2020 [internet publication].[Abstract][Full Text]
Edwards SK, Bates CM, Lewis F, et al. 2014 UK national guideline on the management of vulval conditions. Int J STD AIDS. 2015 Aug;26(9):611-24.[Abstract]
Ioannides D, Vakirlis E, Kemeny L, et al. European S1 guidelines on the management of lichen planus: a cooperation of the European Dermatology Forum with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Jul;34(7):1403-14.[Abstract][Full Text]
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