Who discovered lichen planus?
Who discovered lichen planus?
It was first described by British Physician Wilson Erasmus in 1869. Lichens are primitive plant that consists of symbiotic algae and fungi and the word planus in Latin means flat. [1] Lichen planus has varied clinical manifestations affecting the skin, oral mucosa, nail, genital mucosa, nail, and scalp.
Where does lichen planus occur?
Most affected areas are the wrists, elbows, ankles, and lower back. However, other parts of the body may be affected. The shins can be affected by thickened lichen planus, while the armpits might have ring-shaped lichen planus. White streaks appear on the inside of the cheeks.
Is the sun good for lichen planus?
If the lichen planus is caused by the sun (some cases of lichen planus pigmentosus), a strong sunscreen (sun protection factor [SPF] 50 or higher) should be used daily. For symptomatic lichen planus, topical creams may be effective. In some severe cases, oral medications or light therapy can be useful.
What are the differential diagnoses for lichen planus?
- Chronic graft-versus-host disease
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Lichen simplex chronicus
- Subacute cutaneous or discoid lupus erythematosus
- Pityriasis rosea
- Secondary syphilis
- Prurigo nodularis
- paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS)
- Oral leukoplakia
Is lichen planus linked to other diseases?
Lichen Planus is also linked with Hepatitis C virus infection, which has been found to be a major cause of liver diseases.
Can you die from lichen planus?
Lichen planus is usually not harmful. Most often it gets better with treatment. The condition often clears up within 18 months, but may come and go for years. If lichen planus is caused by a medicine you are taking, the rash should go away once you stop the medicine.
What are the different types of lichen planus treatment?
Treatment of Lichen Planus Topical steroids are the first-line treatment of cutaneous lichen planus. Oral metronidazole has been shown to be effective in some patients. Oral acitretin [retinoid agent] has been shown to be effective. Other drugs under study are mycophenolate mofetil and sulfasalazine, apremilast.