1. By Nick
Lichen Planus

2. Symptoms
 Bumps. Sometimes the bumps and patches itch.
Thick patches are most likely to itch.
 Often causes bumps that are shiny, firm, and
reddish purple

3.  Blisters. These are rare.
 Pain, especially on the genitals. The skin can
be bright red and raw. Open sores can appear.
These can make sex painful or impossible.

4. Diagnosis
 Looking at your skin, nails, and mouth.
 To make sure that you have lichen planus, a
dermatologist may remove a bit of skin.
 This skin will be examined under a microscope to
make sure. Your dermatologist may call this a
biopsy.
 Sometimes, you may need blood tests to rule out
other diseases.

5. Causes
One theory is that lichen planus is an autoimmune
disease.
 This means the person’s immune system reacts as
though the skin and other parts of the body are
foreign.
 When this happens, the body starts to attack itself.

6.  There may be a link between lichen planus and
infection with the hepatitis C virus. Many people
with hepatitis C also have lichen planus
 What causes most cases of lichen planus
remains unclear. Its is not known to spread by
any means from host to host

7. Treatments
 There is no cure for lichen planus. It often goes
away on its own. If symptoms are bothersome,
treatment often brings relief and may speed
healing.
 Pills. Pills can be prescribed to relieve itching
 Topical corticosteroid . Cream or ointment to
reduce swelling and redness
 PUVA therapy: A type of light treatment that can
help clear the skin. Typically used on more extreme
cases

8. Bibliography
 Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Online
article. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, 22 Feb. 2013. Web. 30
Sept. 2013.
 Lichen-Planus-4. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.
 LichenPlanus2_image. Digital image. N.p., n.d.
Web.
 Planus,lichen5_image.Digital image. N.p., n.d.
Web.
 Staff, AAD. "Definition." Online article. AAD-
dermatology-a-to-z. Research, 14 Nov. 2010.
Web. 30 Sept. 2013.