Overview Of Lichen Planus Sclerosus Atrophicus
Lichen Planus Sclerosus Atrophicus is a condition that forms a very itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth.
Causes Of Lichen Planus Sclerosus Atrophicus
The exact cause of lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus is unknown. It may be related to an allergic or immune reaction.
Risks for the condition include:
- Exposure to certain medicines, dyes, and other chemicals (including gold, antibiotics, arsenic, iodides, chloroquine, quinacrine, quinide, phenothiazines, and diuretics)
- Diseases such as hepatitis C
- It mostly affects middle-aged adults, and is less common in children.
Symptoms
Mouth sores are one symptom of lichen planus sclerosus atrophicus. They:
- Maybe tender or painful (mild cases may not cause pain)
- Are located on the sides of the tongue, inside of the cheek, or on the gums
- Look like bluish-white spots or pimples
- Form lines in a lacy network
- Gradually increase in size
- Sometimes form painful ulcers
Skin sores are another symptom of lichen planus. They:
- Usually appear on the inner wrist, legs, torso, or genitals
- Are extremely itchy
- Have even sides (symmetrical) and sharp borders
- Occur alone or in clusters, often at the site of a skin injury
- It May be covered with thin white streaks or scratch marks
- Are shiny or scaly-looking
- Have a dark, violet color
- May develop blisters or ulcers
Other symptoms of lichen planus are:
- Dry mouth
- Hair loss
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Ridges in the nails
Exams & Tests
Your health care provider may make the diagnosis based on the appearance of your skin or mouth lesions.
A skin lesion biopsy or biopsy of a mouth lesion can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Of Lichen Planus Sclerosus Atrophicus
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and speed healing. If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.
Treatments may include:
- Antihistamines
- Medicines that calm down the immune system (in severe cases)
- Lidocaine mouthwashes to numb the area and make eating more comfortable (for mouth sores)
- Topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and lower immune responses
- Corticosteroid shots into a sore
- Vitamin A as a cream or taken by mouth
- Other medicines that are applied to the skin
- Dressings placed over your skin with medicines to keep you from scratching
- Ultraviolet light therapy
