Lichen planus is a chronic, inflammatory skin and mucous membrane condition that can appear as itchy, flat-topped bumps or plaques on the skin, and as white, lacy patches or painful sores in the mouth. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s often linked to hepatitis C or certain medications. The condition can also affect nails and hair, leading to nail ridges, splitting, or hair loss.
Symptoms:
Skin: Itchy, flat-topped bumps or plaques, often purple or violet in color, that can coalesce into larger patches.
Mouth: White, lacy patches, white spots or patches on the tongue or gums, ulcers on the gums, tongue, or roof of the mouth, or bright red gums.
Nails: Ridges, splitting, or nail loss.
Hair: Hair loss (may be permanent in some cases).
Possible Causes:
Hepatitis C infection:
Some studies suggest a link between lichen planus and hepatitis C.
Medications:
Certain medications, including some used for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria, can induce lichen planus.
Contact with certain chemicals:
Exposure to metal fillings, dyes, or other chemicals may also trigger lichen planus.
Autoimmune reaction:
In some cases, the body’s immune system may mistakenly attack its own cells in the skin or mouth, causing lichen planus.