
24/09/2025
Hereโs a structured management approach for Lichen Planus (LP):
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๐น General Principles
Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting skin, mucous membranes, nails, and scalp.
Cause: Immune-mediated (T-cell mediated response), sometimes associated with hepatitis C, drugs, or stress.
Aim: Relieve symptoms, heal lesions, prevent recurrence/complications.
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๐น 1. General Measures
Reassurance (often self-limiting in 1โ2 years for cutaneous lesions, but mucosal/nail/scalp involvement may be chronic).
Identify and remove triggers (e.g., offending drugs, dental amalgam, hepatitis C).
Gentle skincare, avoid trauma (Koebner phenomenon).
For oral LP: stop smoking, avoid spicy/acidic food, alcohol.
Good oral hygiene.
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๐น 2. Topical Therapy (First-line for localized disease)
Topical corticosteroids (high-potency, e.g., clobetasol propionate) โ mainstay.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) โ especially useful for oral/ge***al LP.
Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) in resistant cases.
Antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine, cetirizine) for pruritus.
Emollients for skin comfort.
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๐น 3. Systemic Therapy (For widespread, severe, or resistant LP)
Oral corticosteroids (short course of prednisolone).
Systemic retinoids (acitretin, isotretinoin) for cutaneous LP.
Immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, cyclosporine) in refractory cases.
Hydroxychloroquine (sometimes useful in mucosal/nail LP).
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๐น 4. Phototherapy
Narrow-band UVB or PUVA for widespread cutaneous LP.
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๐น 5. Special Site Management
Oral LP: Topical corticosteroids (clobetasol, fluocinonide gel, triamcinolone paste), tacrolimus ointment; intralesional steroids for localized lesions.
Ge***al LP: Similar topical regimen, avoid irritants.
Scalp (Lichen Planopilaris): Potent topical steroids, intralesional triamcinolone, systemic agents to prevent scarring alopecia.
Nails: Intralesional steroids (triamcinolone), systemic therapy in severe cases.
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๐น 6. Follow-up & Complications
Monitor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (rare but important in oral LP).
Long-term follow-up for mucosal, scalp, and nail disease.
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Summary:
Localized disease โ topical corticosteroids + antihistamines.
Extensive/refractory โ systemic steroids, retinoids, or immunosuppressants.
Oral/ge***al lesions โ topical steroids or tacrolimus.
Phototherapy for generalized skin involvement.
Regular follow-up due to risk of malignant transformation (oral/ge***al).