Lichen Planus

What is Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus is a papulosquamous disorder in which the primary lesions are pruritic, polyogonal, flattopped, violaceous papules. Close examination of the surface of these papules often reveals a network of gray lines.

Lichen Planus may occur anywhere but have a predilection for the wrists, shins, lower back and geneitalia. Involvment of the scalp may lead to hair loss.

Causes and Treatment of Lichen Planus

The etiology of Lichen Planus is unknown, but cutaneous eruptions clinically resembling LP have been observed after administration of numerous drugs, including diuretics, gold, pencillamine and in patints with skin lesions of chronic graft versus hot disease.