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Lichen Planus Information - Symptoms and Treatment
Lichen planus is a relatively common skin disorder of skin and mucous membranes resulting in inflammation, itching, and distinctive skin lesions. that comes in episodes lasting months to years. The onset may be gradual or quick, but its cause, like many skin diseases, is unknown. It appears to be a reaction in response to more than one provoking factor. Theories include stress, genetics, infective (viral hepatitis C) and immunologic (autoimmune). There are also drugs that produce lichen planus-like allergic reactions to high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis medications. There is an inherited form also which is often more severe and can have a protracted course.
Symptoms of Lichen Planus
- Itching in the location of a lesion, mild to severe
- Skin lesion:
- Usually located on the inner areas of the wrist, legs, torso, or genitals
- Generalized, with symmetric appearance
- Single lesion or clusters of lesions, often at sites of skin trauma
- Papule of 2 - 4 cm size
- Papules clustered into a plaque or large, flat-topped lesion
- Distinct, sharp borders to lesions
- Possibly covered with fine white streaks or linear scratch marks called Wickham's striae
- Shiny or scaly appearance
- Color dark -- reddish-purple (skin) or gray-white (mouth)
- Possibility of developing blisters or ulcers
- Ridges in the nails ( nail abnormalities )
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Mouth lesions
- Tender or painful (mild cases may have no discomfort)
- Located on the sides of the tongue or the inside of the cheek
- Occasionally located on the gums
- Poorly defined area of blue-white spots or "pimples"
- Linear lesions forming a lacy-appearing network of lesions
- Gradual increase in size of affected area
- Lesions occasionally erode to form painful ulcers
- Hair loss
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