What Is Lichen Planus?

This disease is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the skin, hair follicles, nails, and mucous membranes caused by unknown causes. It is common in middle-aged people. The characteristic rash is purple-red polygonal flat papules and plaques. , Distal lower extremities and anterior patella, the patient consciously itch. Some patients have rash related to oral medications, such as ACEI, thiazide diuretics, and antimalarials. Clinically, the disease includes many types, such as linear, circular, hypertrophic, atrophic, artillery, pigmented, light, and lichen planus. Histological manifestations include liquefaction degeneration of basal cells and band infiltration of superficial dermis lymphocytes.

Basic Information

English name: lichenplanus
Visiting department: dermatology

Multiple groups: Middle-aged
Common locations: Wrist, forearm, distal lower extremity, anterior metatarsal area
Common symptoms: Red polygonal flat papules, plaques

Lichen planus clinical manifestations

The disease manifests as small, purple-red, polygonal flat papules with a shiny surface and white reticular stripes (Wickham streaks). The rash is mostly distributed on the flexion of the wrist and forearm, on the back of the hand, forearm, neck, and crotch. A new rash (isomorphic reaction) can form in a linear pattern at the scratched area. The patient consciously pruritus, the rash can resolve within months to years, and some pigmentation spots remain. Lichen planus can affect mucosal sites, most commonly in the oral cavity, and is manifested by heavy white reticular fine lines on the cheek mucosa. Erosions, ulcers, and blistering can also occur, with a burning sensation. Some patients may develop lichen planus, which is manifested as thickened, rough, rugged decks, or atrophy. The characteristic manifestation is a wing-shaped carcass-the deck disappears and the nail skin covers the nail bed forward.

Lichen planus

Histopathological manifestations were excessive keratinization of the epidermis, wedge-shaped thickening of the granular layer, irregular hypertrophy of the spinous layer, liquefaction and degeneration of basal cells, and band-like infiltration of lymphocytes in the upper dermis. In addition to the above changes, different subtypes of lichen planus also have their own characteristic changes.