Lichen planus

[Britney]

Lichen planus, a recurring itchy disease, starts as a rash of small, separate, red or purple bumps that then combine and become rough, scaly patches.

The cause may be a reaction to certain drugs or infectious organisms.
Typical symptoms include an itchy rash made of red or purple bumps that form into scaly patches appearing on different parts of the body and sometimes in the mouth or on the genitals.
This disease can last for more than 1 year, and it can recur.
Drugs that may be causing lichen planus should be avoided.
Lichen planus usually resolves without treatment, but symptoms may be treated with corticosteroids, exposure to ultraviolet light, or lidocaine -containing mouthwashes.

The cause of lichen planus is not known, but it may be a reaction by the immune system to a variety of drugs (especially beta-blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, sulfonylureas, antimalarial drugs, penicillamine , and thiazides). The disorder itself is not infectious. The disease may occur in people who have hepatitis B or hepatitis C (see table The Hepatitis Viruses) or certain liver problems.