Lichen Planus — managed by dermatologists, not masked by creams
A chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting skin, mouth, nails, and scalp — diagnosed accurately and treated with immunomodulatory precision at DermaVue's 7 clinics across Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
7 clinics · Kerala & Tamil Nadu · ₹300 consultation
Understanding Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, mouth lining, nails, or scalp — causing itchy purple bumps, painful mouth sores, or nail damage. It is not caused by infection and is absolutely not contagious. In Indian skin, lichen planus frequently leaves behind stubborn dark patches (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that persist long after the active disease resolves. The good news: lichen planus is very treatable. DermaVue dermatologists use a combination of potent topical steroids, phototherapy, and systemic immunomodulators to control flares, relieve symptoms, and prevent pigmentary complications — all tailored to your skin type and disease pattern.
Lichen planus is a T-cell–mediated autoimmune inflammatory dermatosis characterised by the "5 Ps": pruritic, polygonal, planar (flat-topped), purple papules and plaques. Histopathologically, it demonstrates a band-like (lichenoid) lymphocytic infiltrate at the dermoepidermal junction with Civatte bodies (apoptotic keratinocytes), irregular acanthosis (sawtooth pattern), wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, and Max Joseph spaces. Wickham striae — fine white reticular lines visible on dermoscopy — are pathognomonic. The condition affects cutaneous surfaces, oral mucosa (40–70% of patients), nails (10%), and scalp (lichen planopilaris). Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), a variant disproportionately common in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin, presents with diffuse hyperpigmented macules without preceding inflammatory papules — a major concern in the Indian dermatology population.[1]
What does Lichen Planus look like?
Symptoms range widely in severity. Identifying which type you have determines the right treatment.
Purple Flat-Topped Papules
Wickham Striae
Intense Itching (Pruritus)
Oral Erosions & White Patches
Nail Changes
Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation
Scalp Involvement (Lichen Planopilaris)
Genital Lesions
What actually causes Lichen Planus?
Multiple factors act together — understanding them helps prevent recurrence after treatment.
Autoimmune T-Cell Attack
Hepatitis C Association
Stress & Psychological Triggers
Drug-Induced (Lichenoid Eruption)
Dental Materials & Oral Triggers
Genetic Susceptibility
- 1–2% of the global population is affected — with Indian studies reporting higher prevalence rates
- Adults aged 30–60 are most commonly affected; uncommon in children under 10
- Women are more frequently affected by oral lichen planus, with a female:male ratio of approximately 1.5:1
- Lichen planus pigmentosus is significantly more common in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and darker-skinned populations (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
- Hepatitis C prevalence in LP patients in India ranges from 5–15%, warranting routine screening at diagnosis
What happens at your DermaVue consultation?
A structured clinical assessment — not a quick glance and a prescription pad. Here's exactly what to expect.
Clinical Examination & Dermoscopy
Oral & Mucosal Assessment
Skin Biopsy & Histopathology
Hepatitis C & Lab Screening
Personalised Treatment Plan
Lichen Planus treatments we offer
All procedures by board-certified MD DVL dermatologists. US-FDA approved equipment. No technician-only protocols — ever.
Topical Corticosteroids
Narrowband UVB Phototherapy
Systemic Immunomodulators
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Chemical Peels for Pigmentation
Glutathione + Vitamin C IV
Your Lichen Planus treatment timeline
Results are gradual, progressive, and lasting with the right protocol.
Watch: Lichen Planus treatment at DermaVue
Our dermatologists explain diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect.
Skin Condition Treatment — Dermatologist Explains
Frequently asked questions about Lichen Planus
No, lichen planus is absolutely not contagious. It cannot spread from person to person through touch, saliva, or any form of contact. LP is an autoimmune condition where your own immune system attacks skin cells — it is not caused by any infection that can be transmitted. You cannot "catch" lichen planus from someone who has it.
Oral lichen planus affects the mucous membranes inside the mouth — appearing as white lace-like patches (reticular type) or painful erosions and ulcers (erosive type). It affects 40–70% of LP patients and can be the only manifestation. Erosive oral LP causes significant pain while eating and speaking. While malignant transformation risk is low (estimated 0.5–2% over 5 years), regular monitoring every 6 months is recommended by dermatology guidelines. DermaVue dermatologists manage oral LP with topical tacrolimus, steroid mouth rinses, and systemic therapy when needed.
DermaVue consultation fee is ₹300 at most branches. Topical prescription costs vary by medication and area involved. NB-UVB phototherapy sessions range ₹800–1,500 per session (typically 20–30 sessions needed for generalised LP). Chemical peels for residual pigmentation start at ₹1,500–3,500 per session. Full treatment costs are discussed transparently at your first consultation — no hidden charges.
Cutaneous lichen planus is usually self-limiting — most cases resolve within 1–2 years with treatment, though post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist longer. However, oral lichen planus tends to be chronic and may require long-term maintenance therapy. Nail LP and lichen planopilaris (scalp) need early aggressive treatment to prevent permanent nail damage or scarring hair loss. Recurrences can occur, so having a dermatologist-supervised flare plan is important.
Indian skin (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI) has higher melanocyte density and reactivity. When LP causes inflammation at the dermoepidermal junction, melanin drops into the dermis — a process called pigmentary incontinence. This creates persistent grey-brown patches that can last months to years after active LP resolves. Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), a variant especially common in South Asians, causes diffuse hyperpigmentation even without obvious preceding papules. DermaVue treats this with chemical peels, topical depigmenting agents, and glutathione therapy tailored to Indian skin.
Yes. Multiple studies — including Indian data — show a statistically significant association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and lichen planus. HCV is found in 5–35% of LP patients depending on the population studied. IADVL guidelines recommend HCV screening for all newly diagnosed LP patients. If positive, treating the underlying hepatitis C often improves LP as well. DermaVue routinely includes HCV screening in the LP diagnostic workup.
Stop managing Lichen Planus.
Start clearing it.
Board-certified MD DVL dermatologists across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. WhatsApp for instant appointment. Consultation ₹300.
₹300 consultation · No hidden charges · 7 locations