Lichen Planus
Lichen Planus
The cause of the itchy skin eruption lichen planus still defies the medical profession. Its occurrence has been noted more frequently among high-strung, tense personalities, especially after an emotional upheaval, between thirty and sixty. There is some possibility that the source of this disease might be viral, although the theory of a psychological cause is still the most accepted.
The Danger: None.
Symptoms : Pimple-like violet lesions, which are flat and angular with a distinct sheen that glistens, varying in size from pinhead to tackhead, often coalesce to form larger patches on the wrists, trunk, legs, male genitals, vagina, and the mucous membrane of the mouth. On the legs the eruption can become quite large and warty (verrucous) . Any minor injury, such as a scratch, produces new lesions. Itching can become quite severe and is difficult to control.
Treatment: Topical steroids. For relief of itching, mild tranquilizers or antihistamines are prescribed. Large local lesions are often injected with steroids.
Outlook: An erratic disease, the course of lichen planus is difficult to determine, for it is often marked by remissions and exacerbations.
Although it rarely clears up in under six months, it leaves no injurious permanent effects.
