Lichen Planus: A Bumpy, Itchy and Rare Skin Disease

Lichen planus is an uncommon inflammatory disease that affects the skin and the mucous membranes. It appears as a rash or bumps on the skin. It is neither infectious nor contagious, and there is no evidence that it is related to any form of skin cancer.

Lichen planus can appear anywhere on the body, but is most often found on the inside or tender part of the wrists and ankles. Sometimes it will appear on the lower back, neck and genital area. In more rare instances, it will appear on the tongue, on the gums, in the hair and on the fingernails. Lichen planus produces bumps that are relatively flat and red or reddish-purple in color, except when it appears on the shins. In these instances, it usually appears as a thick patch rather than the typical small bumps.

Although lichen planus can be unsightly, it rarely poses a medical problem and usually causes minimal symptoms; severe itching is what causes the most discomfort.

Lichen planus affects about one percent of adults; both men and women are affected equally. An initial attack may last for weeks to months, and about 20 percent of sufferers can expect this skin disease to come and go for years. In most cases, however, lichen planus will go away within a couple of years. When lichen planus heals, it often leaves a dark brown discoloration of the skin. Sometimes the skin will return to its original color after a period of time.

The overall cause of lichen planus is unknown. However, it has been found in what appears to be an allergic reaction to some medications, dyes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Symptoms are increased with emotional stress, possibly because of changes in immune system during stress. It may also be associated with other disorders, most notably hepatitis C. There is no known genetic link, and it does not appear to be related to nutrition. However, spicy foods, citrus juices, tomato products, caffeinated drinks and crispy foods seem to aggravate the disease and slow healing.