What is the main cause of lichen planus?

The cause of lichen planus is usually not known, although possible causes include: Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria. Reactions to metal fillings in your teeth.

What is the best treatment for vulvar lichen planus?

Cortisone cream applied to the vulva and vagina can provide relief and stop lichen planus from getting worse. Strong cortisone is safe to use on inflamed skin and will not cause the skin of your vulva to thin. Medications such as prednisolone or methotrexate may also help.

Can Vulvar lichen planus be cured?

There’s no single treatment that can cure lichen planus completely. However, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and make living with it easier. For example, steroid creams or ointments are often used to help relieve the itch and control the rash.

How serious is lichen planus?

In general, lichen planus is not a harmful or fatal disease. It usually goes away by itself in time, but can persist for a long time, running into years, and this varies from patient to patient. The presence of skin lesions is not constant and may wax and wane over time.

What is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a non-infectious, itchy rash that can affect many areas of the body. Affected areas can include the: Read more about the symptoms of lichen planus. The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. However, the condition isn’t infectious and doesn’t usually run in families.

What are the symptoms of Erosive lichen planus?

Read our page on complications of lichen planus for more information about erosive lichen planus. The symptoms of lichen planus vary, depending on which area of the body is affected. purple-red coloured bumps (papules) that are slightly raised, shiny and have a flat top.

What is the best light treatment for lichen planus?

Light treatment – there are 2 types of light treatment: ultraviolet B (UVB) and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA). UVB is the most commonly used light treatment, but PUVA may be recommended in severe or widespread cases of lichen planus that don’t respond to other types of treatment.

Can lichen planus be mistaken for eczema?

Lichen planus of the skin. Your GP may be able to make a diagnosis based on the characteristic rash. However, lichen planus can be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as eczema, which also causes the skin to become red, flaky and itchy.