Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser

Lichen Planus Advice

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 — Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed

A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The advice

Lichen planus is an immune condition: intensely itchy, flat-topped purplish bumps, often on the wrists, ankles and lower back; it can involve the mouth (lacy white lines), nails and scalp — it is not contagious.
It can occasionally be linked to certain medicines or hepatitis C — so we may test and review your medications.
On the skin it usually clears within one to two years, but it leaves dark marks (especially in our skin) that fade slowly over months to years.
Do not scratch — scratching brings new lesions along the scratch lines; keeping nails short helps.
Treatment: prescribed strong cortisone creams, antihistamines for itch, and phototherapy or tablets for widespread disease.
Oral lichen planus: avoid spicy, acidic and sharp crunchy foods, keep excellent dental hygiene, and attend regular reviews if it is the erosive type (needs long-term follow-up).
Nail or scalp involvement needs early treatment to prevent permanent damage (scarring and hair loss).
Come back if painful persistent mouth ulcers or new nail changes appear.

See also the full treatment page: Lichen planus treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.

My private clinic at Kuwait Hospital (Sabah Al-Salem) — direct assessment and a treatment plan built around your case.