Lichen planus

Lichen planus is an itchy, non-infectious rash, the cause of which is unknown. It can affect:

• the skin
• the mouth, and
• other parts of the body, such as the nails, scalp, vulva, vagina and penis.

Lichen planus affects up to one in 50 people in the UK. It usually occurs in adults over the age of 30, and is slightly more common in women.

In approximately half of people with lichen planus, the inner surface of the mouth is affected (see 'symptoms' page). This is called oral lichen planus.

Lichen planus of the skin can take from nine months to two years to clear, but once cleared it rarely occurs again. Steroid creams are often used to relieve the itch and help the rash to disappear.

Lichen planus is not infectious or hereditary, and it cannot be passed on.