Lichen planus LP is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease that affects the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes. There is no cure, but many different medications and procedures have been used in efforts to control the symptoms. The term lichenoid reaction lichenoid eruption or lichenoid lesion refers to a lesion of similar or identical histopathologic and clinical appearance to lichen planus i.
Lichen planus lesions are so called because of their " lichen -like" appearance [ 3 ] and can be classified by the site they involve, or by their morphology. Lichen planus may be categorized as affecting mucosal or cutaneous surfaces. Lichen planus lesions can occur in many different forms or morphologies : [ 16 ]. Although lichen planus can present with a variety of lesions, the most common presentation is as a well defined area of purple-coloured, itchy, flat-topped papules with interspersed lacy white lines Wickham's striae.
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This description is known as the characteristic "6 Ps" of lichen planus: planar flat-topped , purple, polygonal, pruritic, papules, and plaques. That said, a variety of other lesions can also occur.
Lichen planus affecting mucosal surfaces may have one lesion or be multifocal. Oral lichen planus also termed oral mucosal lichen planus , is a form of mucosal lichen planus, where lichen planus involves the oral mucosa , the lining of the mouth.
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Six clinical forms of oral lichen planus OLP are recognized: [ 40 ]. These types often coexist in the same individual. Oral lichen planus OLP tends to present bilaterally as mostly white lesions on the inner cheek , [ 41 ] although any mucosal site in the mouth may be involved. Other sites, in decreasing order of frequency, may include the tongue, lips, gingivae, floor of the mouth, and very rarely, the palate. Generally, oral lichen planus tends not to cause any discomfort or pain, although some people may experience soreness when eating or drinking acidic or spicy foodstuffs or beverages.
