Lichen planus is a disease of the skin or mucous membranes (oral cavity or genitals). The age at which lichen planus most commonly occurs is around 30 for men and around 50 for women. The skin condition is slightly more common in women than in men.
If you have lichen planus on your skin, you will see groups of small purplish-red shiny bumps that are flat on top. Sometimes white stripes can be observed (Wickham stretch marks). These flat bumps are mainly seen on the inside of the wrists, forearms, lower back, neck and ankles. The bumps sometimes cause a burning itch or pain.
A characteristic of lichen planus is that a new lichen planus spot can develop at the site where the skin is damaged (Koebner phenomenon).
No form of lichen planus is contagious.
For lichen planus of the skin, you will usually be given a corticosteroid ointment by your doctor. This ointment ensures that the skin improves and that the itching subsides.
Please contact your treating doctor for more information.
