Skin
Medicines for Lichen planus
An itchy, immune-related inflammatory condition that causes purplish, flat-topped bumps on the skin and lacy white patches in the mouth — usually managed with topical treatment, often settling over time, with mouth changes kept under review.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Lichen planus?
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition thought to be driven by the immune system, in which the body's own defences act against the skin and lining of the mouth. On the skin it typically causes small, shiny, flat-topped bumps with a purplish colour that can be very itchy, often on the wrists, ankles and lower back.
- How it is treated: Treatment aims to ease the itch and soreness, calm the inflammation and help the condition settle, while keeping an eye on areas such as the mouth that may need longer-term review.
- Self-care: Gentle skin care, avoiding scratching where possible and using soothing measures can help with the itch, while keeping the skin moisturised supports comfort.
- When to seek help: See your GP or dentist if you develop an itchy rash of purplish, flat-topped bumps, or lacy white patches, soreness or ulcers in your mouth that do not clear up, so the cause can be confirmed and treatment offered.
What it is
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition thought to be driven by the immune system, in which the body's own defences act against the skin and lining of the mouth. On the skin it typically causes small, shiny, flat-topped bumps with a purplish colour that can be very itchy, often on the wrists, ankles and lower back. In the mouth, known as oral lichen planus, it more often shows as lacy white patches, sometimes with soreness or sensitivity, and it can also affect the nails, genitals and scalp. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is not an infection and is not contagious. It often appears for a period and then gradually settles on its own, though it can last for some time or come and go. Oral lichen planus in particular tends to be more persistent and is kept under review, partly because long-standing changes in the mouth carry a small long-term risk that needs monitoring.
How it is treated
Treatment aims to ease the itch and soreness, calm the inflammation and help the condition settle, while keeping an eye on areas such as the mouth that may need longer-term review. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay for both skin and mouth involvement, used to reduce the immune-driven inflammation in the affected area. For more severe, widespread or stubborn cases, stronger or oral treatments may be needed, and these are usually started under specialist dermatology, oral medicine or other relevant care. Because lichen planus often improves by itself over time, treatment is frequently aimed at controlling symptoms while the condition runs its course. Oral lichen planus is monitored over the longer term, as persistent changes in the lining of the mouth carry a small risk that makes regular review worthwhile, and any new ulcer, lump or change that does not settle should be checked.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Lichen planus
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Lichen planus
Lichen planus can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Gentle skin care, avoiding scratching where possible and using soothing measures can help with the itch, while keeping the skin moisturised supports comfort. For mouth involvement, good oral hygiene, avoiding sharp, spicy or acidic foods that sting, limiting alcohol and stopping smoking all help reduce irritation and support the lining of the mouth. Keeping up regular dental check-ups is sensible, as the dentist can help keep an eye on any changes in the mouth over time.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See your GP or dentist if you develop an itchy rash of purplish, flat-topped bumps, or lacy white patches, soreness or ulcers in your mouth that do not clear up, so the cause can be confirmed and treatment offered. It is worth being seen if the condition is very itchy or sore, is spreading, or is affecting your nails, genitals or scalp, as these areas may need particular attention. Oral lichen planus should be kept under review, so report any mouth ulcer, lump, red or white patch or area of soreness that does not heal within a few weeks, as persistent changes in the mouth need checking because of a small long-term risk. Seek prompt advice for severe pain, difficulty eating or any sore that is enlarging or bleeding.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Lichen planus: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for lichen planus?
The main treatment is topical corticosteroids, applied to the affected skin or, in special forms, used in the mouth to calm the inflammation, ease the itch and soreness and help the patches settle. Most cases respond to these. For more severe, widespread or stubborn lichen planus, stronger topical treatments or oral medicines may be needed, and these are usually started under specialist care from a dermatology or oral medicine team. Because lichen planus often improves by itself over time, treatment is frequently aimed at controlling symptoms while it runs its course, and oral lichen planus is kept under review over the longer term.
Is lichen planus contagious?
No — lichen planus is not contagious and cannot be passed to other people. It is an inflammatory condition linked to the immune system rather than an infection, which is why it does not spread from person to person and is not caught from anyone. The exact reason it develops is not fully understood, but it is not the result of poor hygiene or anything you have done. Knowing this can be reassuring, as the bumps on the skin and patches in the mouth can look striking. The focus of care is on easing symptoms and, for the mouth in particular, keeping an eye on any persistent changes.
Will lichen planus go away on its own?
Often, yes. Lichen planus on the skin commonly settles by itself over months to a couple of years, although it can leave areas of darker or lighter skin behind for a while as it fades, and it can sometimes return. Treatment in the meantime helps control the itch and soreness while the condition runs its course. Lichen planus in the mouth tends to be more persistent and may grumble on for longer, which is one reason it is kept under review. If patches are not settling, are very troublesome, or any mouth change does not heal, it is worth being reviewed so treatment can be adjusted.
Is oral lichen planus serious?
For most people oral lichen planus is uncomfortable rather than dangerous, but it does need keeping an eye on. Long-standing changes in the lining of the mouth carry a small long-term risk, which is why oral lichen planus is monitored and why regular dental and medical review is recommended. The important thing is to report any mouth ulcer, lump, or red or white patch that does not heal within a few weeks, or any area that becomes more sore or starts to change, so it can be checked promptly. With monitoring and treatment to control symptoms, most people manage the condition well over the long term.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Lichen planus.
- NICE CKS: Lichen planus.
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