What is the main cause of lichen planus?
Sophia Carter
Updated on March 01, 2026
What is the main cause of lichen planus?
The cause of lichen planus is usually not known, although possible causes include: Hepatitis C, a virus that attacks your liver. Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria. Reactions to metal fillings in your teeth.
Is lichen planus life threatening?
Although lichen planus is a disease of uncertain cause and is difficult to be cured by treatment, this skin disease itself is neither life threatening like cancer nor infectious. Therefore, lichen planus is very unlikely to affect your general health and cannot be passed on.
How do you get rid of lichen planus?
Light therapy (phototherapy) may help clear up lichen planus affecting the skin. The most common phototherapy for lichen planus uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light, which penetrates only the upper layer of skin (epidermis). Light therapy usually requires two to three treatments a week for several weeks.
Is lichen sclerosus a serious condition?
Living with lichen sclerosus If left untreated, the conditions can have serious effects. Severe cases may cause severe pain during sex. You may be emotional about having a condition in your genital area. Without treatment, the scratching associated with lichen simplex chronicus can lead to a bacterial skin infection.
What happens if lichen planus goes untreated?
The affected skin might stay slightly darker even after the rash clears up, especially in dark-skinned people. Oral lichen planus increases the risk of oral cancer. Left untreated, lichen planus of the ear canal may lead to hearing loss.
What is the best cream for lichen planus?
Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus
| Treatment | Comments |
|---|---|
| High-potency topical corticosteroids†| First-line therapy |
| Clobetasol (Temovate) Fluocinonide | |
| Topical calcineurin inhibitors†| For cases unresponsive to topical corticosteroids |
| Pimecrolimus (Elidel) Tacrolimus (Protopic) |
How did I get lichen sclerosus?
The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role. Previous skin damage at a particular site on your skin may increase the likelihood of lichen sclerosus at that location. Lichen sclerosus isn’t contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse.
Do Dermatologists treat lichen sclerosus?
If you have signs and symptoms common to lichen sclerosus, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions (dermatologist).
Is lichen planus lifelong?
Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause bumps or lesions to appear on your skin, in your mouth, or on your nails. There is no known cause of lichen planus, and it usually disappears on its own. Most cases last about 2 years.
What vitamins help lichen planus?
Since 1971, Vitamin A acid (VAA) has been used for topical treatment of lichen planus (L.p.) at the 2nd Department of Dermatology in Vienna.
How Long Does lichen planus take to heal?
Most cases of lichen planus of the skin clear up on their own within 6 to 9 months. The rash rarely lasts longer than 18 months.
What is the best cream for lichen sclerosus?
Ultrapotent topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate have become the first-line treatment for genital lichen sclerosus in adults and children. They are applied daily for up to 3 months and afterwards at reduced frequency.
