This is a condition of unknown aetiology characterized by intensely pruritic shiny, flat topped, violaceous, polygonal papules that are usually seen on the flexural surfaces of the wrists, arms and legs (1). Other affected sites include:
It commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 60 years and can be seen in both sexes (1). Lichen planus lesions may evolve gradually over several weeks or may develop rapidly (2). It may present as:
This is a condition of unknown aetiology characterized by intensely pruritic flat topped papules that are usually seen on the inner aspect of the elbows and wrists. The mucous membranes are often affected.
Ulcerative lichen planus in the mouth may predispose to squamous cell carcinoma - in one retrospective study of 229 patients with oral lichen planus managed at a tertiary referral centre, four patients (1.7 percent) developed oral squamous-cell carcinoma during the follow-up period (3).
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