Lichen planus

Lichen planus is an idiopathic inflammatory disease affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, usually self-limiting in nature.

Characteristic eruption consists of itchy, shiny, flat-topped violaceous papules and plaques favoring the extremities.

White net-like patches or ulceration of mucous membranes, nail deformity, scarring alopecia, and other types of skin lesions may also occur.

Most patients develop the disease between ages 30 and 60 years.

Hepatitis C infection may increase susceptibility, especially to oral disease.

Treatment may involve corticosteroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressants, and phototherapy.

Lichen planus (LP) is a pruritic, chronic inflammatory dermatosis resulting from keratinocyte apoptosis that affects the skin, mucous membranes, genitalia, scalp (lichen planopilaris), and nails.[1]Pittelkow MR, Daoud MS. Lichen planus. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, et al, eds. Fitzpatrick's dermatology in general medicine. Vol One. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2008:244-255.[2]Boyd AS, Neldner KN. Lichen planus. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1991 Oct;25(4):593-619. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1791218?tool=bestpractice.com