What diseases are linked to Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is a cell-mediated immune response of unknown origin. It may be found with other diseases of altered immunity; these conditions include ulcerative colitis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, dermatomyositis, morphea, lichen sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis.

Does Lichen Planus affect your immune system?

Lichen planus occurs when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. It’s not clear why this abnormal immune response happens. The condition isn’t contagious.

What are the complications of Lichen Planus?

Lichen Planus Complications

• Hyperpigmentation. Lichen planus is a self-limited skin condition and remission usually occurs within 18 months.
• Scarring alopecia.
• Erosive LP.
• Dyspareunia.
• Scarring of the female genital region.
• Esophageal stenosis.
• Psychological sequelae.
• Malignant transformation.

Can you get cancer from Lichen Planus?

Around 1 to 3 percent of patients who have had lichen planus for a long time may go on to develop mouth cancer. The exact connection between oral lichen planus and cancer is not certain. Only a very few patients with oral lichen planus ever develop cancer.

Is Lichen Planus a serious disease?

Lichen planus is not a dangerous disease, and it usually goes away on its own. However, in some people, it may come back.

Is Lichen Planus life threatening?

Although lichen planus is a disease of uncertain cause and is difficult to be cured by treatment, this skin disease itself is neither life threatening like cancer nor infectious. Therefore, lichen planus is very unlikely to affect your general health and cannot be passed on.

Is lichen planus a serious disease?

Can lichen planus cause fatigue?

Immune modulators – such as imiquimod and levamisole may be advised by a specialist if lichen planus is severe. These work with the body’s immune system to help fight damage to the skin. Skin irritation, headache, nausea and tiredness can be side-effects.

Can Lichen planus affect your heart?

Background. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Recent studies have suggested that it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidities.

Is lichen planus life threatening?

Can lichen planus cause death?

The average lichen planus patient died at 71.3 years of age; men died earlier (67.5) than women (74.5). The earliest age at death was 39 for men and 47 for women.

Is lichen planus lifelong?

Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause bumps or lesions to appear on your skin, in your mouth, or on your nails. There is no known cause of lichen planus, and it usually disappears on its own. Most cases last about 2 years.

What is lichen planus and what causes it?

Lichen planus is a common disease that causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) on your skin or inside your mouth. On your skin, lichen planus causes a rash that is usually itchy.

How long does oral lichen planus last?

While oral lichen planus usually begins during midlife, it can occur at any age. An initial episode of oral lichen planus may last for weeks or months. Oral lichen planus is usually a chronic condition and can last for many years.

What are the risks of lichen planus of the ear?

Oral lichen planus increases the risk of oral cancer. Left untreated, lichen planus of the ear canal may lead to hearing loss.

How common is vulvovaginal lichen planus?

The condition affects around one per cent of all women, with it being more common in the mouth (gingival lichen planus). A quarter of women with gingival lichen planus will see vulvovaginal symptoms, including keratinisation of the skin on the trunk, arms, and legs. It can also occur in the rectum and oesophagus.