NHS website

Lichen planus

Overview Overview

Lichen planus is a rash that can affect different parts of your body, including inside your mouth.

Symptoms of lichen planus include raised purple-red blotches on your skin, white patches in your mouth and bald patches on your scalp.

Lichen planus is usually treated with creams and ointments. Medicines or a special light treatment may be needed if it's severe.

Read more on the NHS website.

Symptoms Symptoms

Symptoms of lichen planus include raised purple-red blotches on your skin, white patches in your mouth and bald patches on your scalp.

See a GP if you have:

clusters of shiny, raised, purple-red blotches on your arms, legs or body (you may see fine white lines on the blotches)
white patches on your gums, tongue or the insides of your cheeks
burning and stinging in your mouth, especially when you eat or drink
bald patches appearing on your scalp
sore red patches on your vulva
rough, thinning nails with grooves on
ring-shaped purple or white patches on your penis

These are symptoms of lichen planus. You may only have 1 of these symptoms.

Lichen planus on your skin can be very itchy, but not always.

Read more on the NHS website.

Treatments Treatments

Lichen planus is usually treated with creams and ointments. Medicines or a special light treatment may be needed if it's severe.

Medical treatments

Lichen planus on your skin usually gets better on its own in about 9 to 18 months.

Creams and ointments from a GP can help control the rash and ease itching.

If creams and ointments do not work or you have severe lichen planus, steroid tablets or treatment with a special kind of light (light therapy) can help.

Lichen planus in your mouth can last for several years. Mouthwashes and sprays from a GP can help ease symptoms like burning or sore gums.

You cannot catch lichen planus and it does not usually come back once it's cleared up.

Self-care

If you have lichen planus on your skin:

wash with plain warm water – avoid soaps and body washes
wash your hair over a sink or bath so the shampoo does not come into contact with the rest of your skin
use an emollient (moisturising treatment for the skin) on the rash

If the lichen planus is on your genitals:

hold a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean tea towel against the affected bits to ease itching and swelling
avoid wearing tights or close-fitting clothes

If you have it in your mouth:

brush your teeth carefully twice a day to keep your gums healthy
avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if they make your mouth sore
avoid alcohol and mouthwashes that contain it

Read more on the NHS website.