Lichen skin disorders
Some of the inflammatory skin conditions characterized by the appearance of coloured flat topped itchy bumps or rashes are called lichen planus. These lichen skin conditions appear on any part of the body or in the mucosal layer that lines the mouth or genital area. In the mucosal layer it appears differently. There are many types of lichen planus like –
Classic lichen planus where the lesion appears as small, flat-topped, and itchy bumps on the arms, legs, and trunk
Oral lichen planus where the white lacy patches appear over the tongue, gums, or inner side of cheeks
Hypertrophic lichen planus is where the rashes are thick and scaly appearing on any part of the skin and are considered more difficult to treat than classic lichen planus.
Lichen planus pemphigoid where blisters are formed.
Lichen planus pigments where dark-coloured hyperpigmented patches develop on the skin.
Healthcare providers diagnose the lichen planus with physical examination and in some cases recommend skin biopsy for the confirmation of the disease. Treatment is also considered depending upon the site of the disease and severity.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Lichen skin conditions are also called lichen planus or lichenoid eruptions. It is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by the appearance of rashes/lesions that are flat-topped, itchy bumps. The cause for a lichen skin condition is not known but is considered stress.
The lichen skin conditions affect the normal skin or mucosal surfaces like the mouth or genital linings.
The different types are like –
- Classic lichen planus
- Oral lichen planus
- Hypertrophic lichen planus
- Lichen planus pemphigoids
- Lichen planus pigmentosae
A. Usually rashes or lesions in lichen skin conditions appear as flat-top, itchy bumps of small sizes which appear red, purple, or white in colour. Sometimes they can appear as scaly or hyperpigmented blisters or patches on the skin whereas it appears as lacy white patches inside the mouth or in genital areas.
A. The lichen skin disorder can be diagnosed by physical examination and sometimes skin biopsy is recommended for confirmation.
A. The treatment of lichen skin conditions depends upon the type of lichen planus. The treatment includes anti-inflammatory agents like – corticosteroids, antihistamines, etc. And sometimes light therapy is considered for severe conditions.
A. As the cause of lichen skin disorder is unknown, so it is recommended to maintain good hygienic skin care, a well-balanced lifestyle, physical exercises, and avoid influencing factors like stress, harsh skin products(cream/lotion/sprays)