Lichen planus: FAQs

What is lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a disease that often causes a rash of small bumps on the skin. Some people develop other signs on their scalp, mouth, nails, or genitals. Your dermatologist knows how to diagnose this condition in the different areas, treat it when necessary, and use self-care to help you reduce flare-ups.

Is lichen planus contagious?

No, lichen planus is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else, and you cannot give it to anyone.

How do you get lichen planus?

We don’t know the exact cause. It’s thought that someone develops lichen planus when their immune system mistakes a part of their body as foreign and attacks.

When the immune system mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body, it leads to inflammation in that area. It’s believed that inflammation leads you to see signs like small bumps on the skin.

Some people are more likely to develop this inflammation. To find out who, go to Lichen planus: Causes.

Do you have to treat lichen planus?

Not everyone requires treatment. Some people need treatment to:

• Prevent the condition from worsening.

• Reduce flare-ups.

• Ease symptoms.

Keep in mind that not everyone who gets lichen planus will have a condition that can worsen or develop symptoms, such as intensely itchy skin.

What’s the best treatment for lichen planus?

There is no one best treatment. If you need treatment, your dermatologist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. For information about what may be included in a treatment plan for each area of the body, see Lichen planus: Diagnosis and treatment.

How long does lichen planus last?

On the skin, lichen planus can last for weeks or years. This varies from person to person.

When this condition affects other areas of the body, it tends to be long lasting and require ongoing care.

What causes lichen planus to flare?

Anything that irritates the skin or another area with lichen planus can cause a flare-up.

For example, if you have lichen planus on your skin, injuring your skin or scrubbing it clean could cause inflammation, which could lead to a flare-up.

Self-care can reduce flare-ups. To see the self-care tips dermatologists give their patients, go to Lichen planus: Dermatologists’ tips to help you feel better.

Is there a cure for lichen planus?

No, currently there isn’t a cure. For many people, the condition will go away on its own without treatment. For others, treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.

Can having lichen planus affect how quickly a wound heals?

Yes, it can. Lichen planus causes inflammation, which can lead to bumps on the skin, sores and hardened areas in the mouth, or discoloration and swelling around a nail.

When you have inflammation — especially the ongoing inflammation that lichen planus can cause — a cut, surgical wound, or any other injury usually takes longer to heal.

Can lichen planus cause cancer?

If you have lichen planus in your mouth, also called oral lichen planus, you have a small, increased risk of developing cancer in your mouth (oral cancer). This cancer is more likely to develop when someone has had painful mouth sores, inflamed and irritated gums, or both for a long time.

The risk of developing oral cancer also increases if you drink alcohol, smoke, or chew tobacco. That’s why it’s recommended that people who have oral lichen planus not use tobacco or alcohol.

Given this increased cancer risk, it’s important to see your dermatologist and dentist as recommended. During your appointments, they will look for signs of oral cancer.

If you have oral lichen planus, it’s also important to know possible warning signs of oral cancer. These include:

• Sores, including open sores, in your mouth that do not heal

• A growing mouth sore or one that changes shape or color

• An area in your mouth continues to thicken or harden

• Pain or difficulty swallowing

If you notice any of the above, make an appointment to see your dermatologist or dentist – and tell the person making the appointment why you want to get in as soon as possible.

It’s also important to see your dermatologist or dentist if you develop pain, irritation, or new lesions in your mouth after:

• Having your teeth cleaned

• Wearing a retainer or other dental device

These are signs of oral lichen planus. Your dermatologist or dentist can tell you whether you have lichen planus. If you do, your dermatologist can help you manage it.

How can you stop lichen planus from spreading?

You may think of this condition as spreading if you see more bumps or plaques on your skin or more sores or irritation in your mouth.

While there is no guarantee that you can stop this spread, self-care can prevent new bumps and sores. It can reduce your risk of developing hair loss if lichen planus develops on your scalp. To see the self-care tips that dermatologists give their patients, go to Lichen planus: Dermatologists’ tips to help you feel better.

What does lichen planus look like?

This condition can cause more than small bumps on the skin. To see the different types of lesions that can develop on the skin, scalp, nails, mouth, or genitals, go to Lichen planus: Signs and symptoms.

Images
Images used with permission of the JAAD Case Reports. (JAAD Case Rep. 2023 Apr 26;37:16-20.)

References
Goldstein BG, Goldstein AO, et al. (section editors: Dellavalle RP, Callen JP). “Lichen planus.” UpToDate. Literature review current through 11/2024. Last updated 8/2024.

Shiohara T, Mizukawa Y. “Lichen planus and lichenoid dermatoses.” In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. (fourth edition). Mosby Elsevier, China, 2018: 188-90.

Tziotzios C, Lee JYW, et al. “Lichen planus and lichenoid dermatoses: Clinical overview and molecular basis.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Nov;79(5):789-804.

Written by:
Paula Ludmann, MS

Reviewed by:
DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD
Elisa Gallo, MD, FAAD
William Warren Kwan, MD, FAAD
Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD

Last updated: 1/27/25