Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that affects the skin and the oral mucosa, and presents itself in the form of papules, lesions or rashes. Lichen planus does not involve lichens; the name refers to the appearance of affected skin.
Lichen planus may be divided into the following types:
The cause of lichen planus is not known. It is not contagious and does not involve any known pathogen. Some lichen planus-type rashes (known as lich...
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Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that affects the skin and the oral mucosa, and presents itself in the form of papules, lesions or rashes. Lichen planus does not involve lichens; the name refers to the appearance of affected skin.
Lichen planus may be divided into the following types:
The cause of lichen planus is not known. It is not contagious and does not involve any known pathogen. Some lichen planus-type rashes (known as lichenoid reactions) occur as allergic reactions to medications for high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis. These lichenoid reactions are referred to as lichenoid mucositis (of the mucosa) or dermatitis (of the skin). Lichen planus has been reported as a complication of chronic hepatitis C virus infection and can be a sign of chronic graft-versus-host disease of the skin. It has been suggested that true lichen planus may respond to stress, where lesions may present on the mucosa or skin during times of stress in those with the disease....
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