Lichen is relatively a rare skin condition. Its diagnosis is clinical and pathological. Most lay man consider this as a normal itch or ringworm and unfortunately treat with local ointments.
This young fellow came under my treatment for vitiligo and developed Lichen meanwhile, I have seen strange relation between Vitiligo and Lichen – Both being a autoimmune disorder.
Vitiligo spots disappeared very quickly , Lichen aslso has improved a lot.
Disease Information
Lichen plannus is an inflammatory skin condition, characterised by an itchy, non-infectious rash of small, polygonal (many sided), flat-topped pink or purple lesions (bumps) on the arms and legs.
Lichen planus lesions are described using the six P’s
Planar [flat-topped],
Purple,
Polygonal,
Pruritic,
Papules,
Plaques.
Onset is usually acute, affecting the flexor surfaces of the wrists, forearms, and legs. The lesions are often covered by lacy, reticular, white lines known as Wickham striae. Classic cases of lichen planus may be diagnosed clinically, but a 4-mm punch biopsy is often helpful and is required for more atypical cases.
Although the exact etiology of lichen planus is unknown, an immune-mediated pathogenesis is recognised.
To my personal experience mental or psychological stress is most import factor in precipitation and propagation of disease.
A very strange co relation I have observed in my two cases (including this one ) that patients were being treated for vitiligo and as vitiligo is a very grave disorder in terms of social stigma, anxiety, fear of rejection has precipitated this disorder.
