Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is inflammatory T-cell-mediated dermatosis presenting with pruritic violaceous polygonal flat-topped papules (Wickham striae) on flexor wrists/ankles/genitalia, often with oral/genital mucosal involvement and nail changes. Treatment: potent topical corticosteroids; topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus/pimecrolimus) for mucosal; oral antihistamines for pruritus; systemic corticosteroids for severe; phototherapy (NB-UVB/PUVA/grenz rays); acitretin/methotrexate/mycophenolate for refractory; evaluate/treat hepatitis C (association); avoid trigger drugs (beta-blockers/ACE inhibitors/NSAIDs); follow-up dermatology/oral medicine.

Common Symptoms

Pruritic violaceous polygonal papules; Wickham striae; flexor wrists/ankles/genitalia; mucosal/nail involvement

Causes and Pathogenesis

T-cell attack on basal keratinocytes causes band-like lichenoid inflammation.

Treatment

Topical/systemic steroids; calcineurin inhibitors; antihistamines; phototherapy

Preventive Measures

Avoid trigger drugs; treat hepatitis C; oral care.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology/Oral-medicine department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.