Lichen Planus Symptoms: Understanding Skin Lesions and Oral Signs

Lichen planus can be easily identified in most cases, due to its typical location of rashes and their 'violaceous' appearance. It is characterized by rows or clusters of dark, raised, flat-topped skin lesions. The skin eruptions of lichen planus often involve the following areas:

Insides of the wrists

Ankles

Lower back

Scalp

 

Nails

Mucous membranes that line the mouth. nose, genitals
(vagina / penis) and anus

Table of Content [hide]

1. Lichen Planus Symptoms: Understanding Skin Lesions and Oral Signs
2. General Symptoms of Lichen Planus
3. Common Lichen Planus Signs and Symptoms
4. Lichen Planus Pigmentosus Symptoms
5. Prognosis of Lichen Planus
6. Consult a Lichen Planus Expert Now
7. FAQs

Lichen planus is a skin condition caused by autoimmune activities in the body. While the cause of this condition is still unknown, several triggering factors have been determined. Skin rashes are among the common lichen planus symptoms.

Lichen planus is, at times, accompanied by other autoimmune disorders. While it is not medically serious and, usually, lichen planus prognosis is positive, some cases can get severe and painful.

This article discusses lichen planus symptoms and prognosis to help you identify this condition early on and take the necessary measures.

General Symptoms of Lichen Planus

Lichen planus has some telltale signs that help in its identification. However, the symptoms may vary individually. This is mainly based on the triggering factors and the type and location of this condition.

Common Lichen Planus Signs and Symptoms

The most commonly observed lichen planus signs and symptoms are listed below:

• Bumpy rashes with flat tops or purplish lesions along the wrists, lower back, ankles, or genitals
• Small lesions on the body that spread into large patches over several weeks or months
• Itching at the rash sites
• Blisters in the rashes that may burst and scab over
• Appearance of thin white lines along the rash
• Dark lines running from the tip to the base of the nails
• Scarring or loss of nails

Lichen Planus Skin Lesions

Lichen planus skin lesions are the most common form of this condition. They develop over a few weeks or months and usually redact within 1 to 2 years. In some cases, however, the lesions may recur.

Appearance and Characteristics

The identifying characteristics of lichen planus skin lesions are listed below:

• The rashes begin as tiny red papules and grow in diameter over some time
• Polygonal plaques or lesions with flat tops and shiny surfaces may occur that are usually firm to touch
• Based on the type of lichen planus, there could be scaly rashes or bumps with atrophic centres
• Lesions may appear along the genitals, including the penis, scrotum, and vulva.
• The rashes may be clustered, linear, or scattered.
• The colour of the bumps and lesions varies as per the skin type and location; new papules are purplish, while the rashes on the soles and palms appear yellowish-brown
• Temporary hyperpigmentation may occur at the affected sites once the rashes and lesions have healed.

Locations of Skin Lesions

The onset of eruptions can be sudden or gradual and tend to show the following lichen planus symptoms:

• Rows or small clusters of flat-topped eruptions, usually a few millimeters in diameter
• In most cases, eruptions of violet colour rashes can be seen. They may vary from purple to pink to even red
• Excessive itching which may vary from mild to severe
• New eruptions may appear at the sites of minor skin injury or trauma, such as a superficial scratch (called as Koebner's phenomenon)
• In some cases, there may be thick, reddish-brown lesions that are covered with scales (called as hypertrophic lichen planus)
• Once the rashes resolve or disappear, they leave behind dark brown or grey spots (hyperpigmentation marks)
• In cases of scalp involvement, there can be a development of scalp scarring in the affected areas further leading to hair loss
• Nails affected by lichen planus may develop pits and grooves.

Oral lichen planus symptoms on the other hand, have a typical presentation that involves the following:

• Small, pale, raised areas that form a lacy network on the inside of the cheeks, rarely involving the tongue. Occasionally, the lesions may even appear to be red and shiny.
• Soreness, burning pain, tenderness in the mouth, especially while having spicy foods.
• Dry mouth with metallic taste or blunted-taste sensation.
• Painful and recurrent ulcers in the mouth leading to discomfort.

People with long-term lesions of oral lichen planus are at a greater risk of developing malignancy (squamous cell carcinoma - a type of skin cancer).

The skin lesions caused by lichen planus mainly occur in the following locations:

• Most common along the wrists, lower back, forehead, and neck
• Mouth, scalp, nails, mucous membranes, and genitals
• The rare cases of the erosive form of this condition are observed in the eyelids, lacrimal glands, external ear canal, oesophagus, voice box, and anus.

While cutaneous lesions along many of these body parts are rare, they can cause a lot of discomfort due to their location.

Consulting with a doctor to get diagnosed and opting for treatments to manage the symptoms of lichen planus can help manage this condition. Professional guidance can also help the symptoms recede quickly. At Dr Batra's®, we pair thorough diagnostics with holistic and natural homeopathic treatments to relieve your lichen planus symptoms.

Book an appointment at Dr Batra's® for lichen planus treatment today by contacting us.

Symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus

The most common symptoms of oral lichen planus are listed below:

• Appearance of tiny, whitish dots on your tongue or along the inside of your cheeks
• Inflammation and sores near the white dots
• White, fern-like streaks on the tongue or along the insides of your cheek; usually painless
• Persistent erosions and ulcers, usually painful
• Redness and peeling of gums
• Inflammation in the gums localised near amalgam fillings

Note that different individuals experience a varied set of lichen planus in mouth symptoms. Therefore, a medical diagnosis might be needed before initiating any treatment.

Oral Lichen Planus Cancer Symptoms

Studies have revealed that oral lichen planus has the potential to become cancerous. Therefore, it is categorised as an OPMD (oral potentially malignant disorder). Here are some oral lichen planus cancer symptoms you should look out for:

• Pain in the oral cavity
• Speaking difficulties
• Difficulty in swallowing
• White, lace-like patches along the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue
• Itchiness in the oral cavity
• Painful sores in the oral cavity or on the genitals
• Unexplained weight loss

Lichen Planus Pigmentosus Symptoms

Lichen planus pigmentosus is a rare form of this condition that primarily affects the sun-exposed parts of the body. The common lichen planus pigmentosus symptoms include the brownish dots that turn into patches over time. This form usually affects the skin and the mouth. Sometimes, it occurs along skin folds where there is frequent friction. It generally does not affect the nails.

Distinctive Symptoms of Lichen Planus Pigmentosus

This form shares several telltale features, such as the lichen planus signs and symptoms. The defining lichen planus pigmentosus symptoms include:

• They begin to appear as dark dots and develop into brownish or greyish irregular patches
• Mostly occur in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, like wrists, ankles, and forearms, but can occur in other areas
• Worsen when exposed to the sun
• Scratching forms long lines of rashes
• Sometimes leads to hair loss
• In rare cases, it causes hyperpigmentation along the upper and lower lips

Prognosis of Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is not a medical emergency and, thus, has a positive outlook. In some rarely serious cases, the rashes could be painful and require medical management.

In most cases, lichen planus skin lesions gradually clear in 1 to 2 years. However, they leave behind hyperpigmentation in the affected areas that takes some time to fade completely. The symptoms of oral lichen planus take longer, about five years, to clear. Recurring symptoms are common in this type. In cases where a medication triggered the condition, the symptoms fade gradually once you discontinue the drug.

Lichen planus can cause permanent nail damage. Similarly, lichen planus pigmentosus can potentially cause permanent hair loss, leading to bald patches, reduced hair density, or, in rare cases, near-baldness.

The lichen planus prognosis is relatively positive despite the potential for lasting damage.

Long-Term Outlook

The long-term outlook for this condition is positive and non-threatening.

The lesions and rashes usually fade over time, as does the hyperpigmentation. While there is some chance of damage to the nails and hair, it is not a medical emergency. Oral lichen planus can potentially become malignant; thus, regular professional supervision and guidance are necessary.

Factors Influencing Prognosis

The factors that can influence the lichen planus prognosis include:

• Injuries including cuts, scratches, or surgery
• Sun exposure
• Systemic viral infection
• Hepatitis
• Localised skin conditions like herpes zoster
• Physical or emotional stress
• Genetic factors

Consult a Lichen Planus Expert Now

At Dr Batra's®, we follow idealistic homeopathic principles to offer you natural and safest remedies for your concerns. Our professional specialists offer personalised treatments based on their assessment of your lichen planus symptoms, dietary and lifestyle habits, and mental and physical health. Their solutions focus on remedying the issue and avoiding further triggers.

Book a consultation session with the expert at Dr Batra's® by contacting us.

FAQs