by Lichen Planus is a common inflammatory skin disease of unknown cause that usually affects the skin, scalp, nails, oral cavity and genital areas of the body. It causes itchy, purplish-colored, flat-topped bumps or papules on the skin and white lines or patches inside the mouth. Lichenoid keratoses can affect both men and women of all ages, most commonly middle-aged adults, but children and the elderly can also be affected.
While it’s not usually life-threatening, Lichen Planus Lichenoid keratoses can often cause significant discomfort and negatively impact quality of life.
Types Of Lichenoid Keratoses
There are different clinical types of Lichenoid keratoses depending on which areas of the body are affected:
Cutaneous Lichenoid keratoses: This is the most common type that affects the skin, usually appearing as itchy, purple-colored, flat-topped bumps on the wrists, legs and back. The rash tends to come and go over many months or years.
Mucosal Lichenoid keratoses: This form affects the mucous membranes inside the mouth, most often appearing as white lacy patches on the inner cheeks and tongue. It can also involve the genitals, anus and nasal passages. Mucosal LP tends to persist for longer durations.
Mixed Lichenoid keratoses: In this type, both skin and oral mucosal tissues are involved simultaneously.
Nail Lichenoid keratoses: This affects the nails, causing facial ridging or grooves, thinning of the nails or nail loss.
Erosive Lichenoid keratoses: Considered a more severe form of mucosal LP, it can cause painful sores and erosions inside the mouth and genital tissues that do not heal easily.
Linear Lichenoid keratoses: Rarely, it manifests as a linear red or purple rash following the skin lines of Blaschko.
Lichen Planopilaris: An uncommon variant that causes inflammation and scarring of the hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss.
Diagnosis And Tests For Lichen Planus
A dermatologist will usually be able to diagnose Lichenoid keratoses based on the characteristic appearance of the rash and lesions during a physical examination. However, other tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis in unclear cases:
– Skin biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope to check for the classic histopathologic features seen in LP such as thickened epithelium, cell degeneration and a dense inflammatory infiltrate.
– Direct immunofluorescence test: Checking a skin biopsy sample for deposition of antibodies and complement proteins can help differentiate LP from other similar conditions.
– Oral swabs or scrapings: To detect mucosal involvement or rule out an underlying infection.
Management And Treatment Options
There’s no known cure for Lichenoid keratoses but several treatment approaches can help reduce symptoms and induce remission:
– Topical corticosteroid creams: Mild-strength steroids applied to affected skin areas are usually first-line to relieve itching and inflammation.
– Oral corticosteroids: For severe, widespread or recalcitrant cases, a short course of tablet steroids may be prescribed.
– Anti-viral medication: Drugs like acyclovir have shown benefit for mucosal LP, believed to be triggered in some cases by viral infections.
– Immunosuppressants: Tablets containing drugs like methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine are sometimes used for extensive, chronic Lichenoid keratoses.
– Retinoids: Creams containing tretinoin have helpedtreat skin LP resistant to other therapies.
– Laser therapy: Lower-intensity lasers or phototherapy with UV light aid mucosal healing in particular.
– Surgery: Rarely considered for extensive mouth sores causing nutritional issues.
With appropriate treatment, Lichen Planus symptoms usually clear up over months. However, the condition often follows a chronic intermittent course and flare-ups can occur. Stress management, eating a balanced diet and avoiding triggers helps control Lichenoid keratoses better.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
