Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition which affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is a T-cell–mediated autoimmune disease in which autocytotoxic CD8+ T cells trigger apoptosis of oral epithelial cells. On the skin, lichen planus usually appears as purplish, often itchy, flat-topped bumps. In mouth, vagina and other areas covered by a mucous membrane, lichen planus forms lacy white patches, sometimes with painful sores. There is no cure for Lichen planus. Treatment for the skin may include Antihistamines, Corticosteroides, Retinoic acid.

The largest UK patient group with oral lichen planus (OLP) was studied in terms of the demographic and clinical characteristics. Reticular OLP was the most common intra-oral presentation, but 60% of such lesions were accompanied by other clinical types of OLP. 95% of lesions were bilateral. About 13% of patients reported symptoms or signs, or had a known history of lichen planus or possible lichen planus affecting non-oral epithelia. In only 13% of patients did all signs and symptoms of OLP resolve within 12-246 months (median 35 months). A malignant transformation rate of 1.9% was observed in the present group.