Lichen Planus (Chronic Skin Inflammation)
Description
A chronic condition involving the skin of the legs, trunk, arms, wrists, scalp, penis, lining of the mouth, vagina, toe-nails and fingernails. The rash comes and goes and is itchy, mildly swollen and red. It is most common in adults over 40, but can affect any age. The cause of this disorder is not known.
Symptoms
The skin lesions are itchy and are usually located on the inner areas of the wrist, legs, torso, or genitals. They can be single or in clusters and have distinct borders. They are reddish-purple in the skin and gray-white in the mouth. Other symptoms include ridges in the nails (nail abnormalities), dry mouth, metallic taste in the mouth, and hair loss.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A skin lesion biopsy or biopsy of a mouth lesion can confirm the diagnosis. Additional blood tests may be done to rule out hepatitis
- Chem 12
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and include: observation, topical steroids (triamcinolone acetonide), oral steroids( (prednisone), topical retinoic acid cream (a form of vitamin A), an occlusive dressing, and/or ultraviolet light therapy. Antihistamine medications may help with the itching.
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