Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition affecting skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. It typically presents as purplish, flat-topped bumps that are often itchy.
Signs and symptoms
Lichen Planus commonly presents with the following signs. Not every patient shows all of them — an in-person examination by a dermatologist is what confirms the diagnosis.
Itching (Pruritus)
Persistent urge to scratch the skin, which may be localised to a specific area or generalised across the body. Itching can range from mild to severe and may worsen at night.
Affected area: skin (any area)
Mouth Sores (Oral Lesions)
Painful white, lacy patches or erosions inside the mouth — on the inner cheeks, gums, or tongue. Often associated with oral lichen planus.
Affected area: oral mucosa (cheeks, gums, tongue)
Purple, Flat-Topped Bumps
Shiny, polygonal, flat-topped papules with a violaceous (purple-red) colour — the hallmark presentation of lichen planus.
Affected area: wrists, ankles, lower back, mucous membranes
Treatment approach
Treatment involves topical and systemic corticosteroids, retinoids, and immunosuppressive agents for severe cases. We focus on symptom relief and preventing progression, with regular monitoring.
Common questions
Will the dark marks from lichen planus fade?
The dark brown or slate-grey marks left after lichen planus settles are pigmentation rather than scarring, and they do fade — but slowly, often over many months and sometimes longer, and more slowly on darker skin. They are a record of inflammation that has already passed rather than active disease. Treating the active phase promptly is what limits how much pigmentation is left behind.