Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a rash that can affect different parts of your body, including the inside of your mouth. See a GP if you think you might have it.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:

clusters of shiny, raised, purple-red blotches on your arms, legs or body (you may see fine white lines on the blotches)
white patches on your gums, tongue or the insides of your cheeks
burning and stinging in your mouth, especially when you eat or drink
bald patches appearing on your scalp
sore red patches on your vulva
rough, thinning nails with grooves on
ring-shaped purple or white patches on your penis

These are symptoms of lichen planus. You may only have 1 of these symptoms.

Lichen planus on your skin can be very itchy, but not always.

Lichen planus on the inside of the wrist. — Lichen planus often appears on the inside of your wrist.

White patches of lichen planus in the mouth. — White patches in your mouth may be lichen planus.

If you're not sure it's lichen planus


Symptoms	Possible cause
Red, flaky, crusty patches, often on elbows or knees	Psoriasis
Raised, red, scaly patches on the body	Pityriasis rosea
Itching and white patches on the vulva	Lichen sclerosus
Ring-like red patch anywhere on the body	Ringworm
Itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red skin	Eczema

Treatments from a GP

Lichen planus on your skin usually gets better on its own in about 6 to 9 months.

Creams and ointments from a GP can help control the rash and ease itching.

If creams and ointments do not work or you have severe lichen planus, steroid tablets or treatment with a special kind of light (light therapy) can help.

Lichen planus in your mouth can last for several years. Mouthwashes and sprays from a GP can help ease symptoms like burning or sore gums.

You cannot catch lichen planus and it does not usually come back once it's cleared up.

For support and information, see UK Lichen Planus.

How to relieve lichen planus at home

If you have lichen planus on your skin:

wash with plain warm water – avoid soaps and body washes
wash your hair over a sink or bath so the shampoo does not come into contact with the rest of your skin
use an emollient (moisturising treatment for the skin) on the rash

If the lichen planus is on your vulva:

use Vaseline before and after weeing
hold a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean tea towel against the affected bits to ease itching and swelling
avoid wearing tights

If you have it in your mouth:

brush your teeth carefully twice a day to keep your gums healthy
avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if they make your mouth sore
avoid alcohol and mouthwashes that contain it

Page last reviewed: 7 August 2017
Next review due: 7 August 2020