Do I Have Lichen Planus?

Do you have purplish, flat bumps, most often on the inner forearm, wrist or ankle, and sometimes the genitals?

Do you have polygonal plaques that are shiny and firm to the touch?

Do you have a rash that is evenly distributed on both sides of the body - most often on the trunk, on the inner surfaces of the joints, on the legs and in the genital area?

Do you have lesions that range in size from pinpoint to larger than a centimeter?

Do you have itching?

Do you have blisters that break to form scabs or crusts?

Do you have lacy white patches in the mouth or on the lips or tongue?

Do you have painless white streaks in a lacy or fern-like pattern?

Do you have painful sores in the mouth or vagina?

Do you have a hair loss or a change in scalp color?

Do you have nail damage (rough, thinned nails with grooves on) or nail loss?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have lichen planus. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by improper function of the immune system. It affects the skin, hair, nails and mucosal surfaces. The disease itself is named after the specific appearance of the lesions that develop on the skin. Lichen planus mainly occurs in adults over 40 years of age. Half of this number is people who have oral lichen planus (lesions on the mucous membrane of the mouth) and most of them are women. Lichen planus is not a contagious disease and milder cases of the disease can be successfully treated at home.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have lichen planus. Lichen planus is a skin condition characterized by swelling and irritation of the skin that is caused by an inadequate reaction of your immune system. The exact cause of this type of immune response is not known. It can be triggered by viral infections, allergens, certain medications and stress. Purple, flat bumps commonly appear on your skin and spread over several weeks. Also, lichen planus can affect the lining of the mouth and genitals. Diagnosing is based on a physical examination and various laboratory tests including biopsy, hepatitis C test and allergy tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have lichen planus. Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease characterized by a rash that can affect different parts of your body, including your skin, mucous membranes of your mouth and genitals, scalp, and nails. Sometimes, the skin lesions can be very itchy, while painful sores may develop on the mucous membranes. Treatment includes a combination of different medications and light therapy. Lichen planus of the skin can often resolve on its own within 9 to 18 months. However, forms of lichen planus that affect the mucous membranes are somewhat more difficult to treat and prone to recurrence.