Diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative clinical review without systematic review methodology
What was done
This is a narrative review summarizing the clinical features, diagnosis (clinical evaluation and 4-mm punch biopsy), and management options for cutaneous, mucosal, genital, scalp, and nail lichen planus.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or quantitative outcomes. It identifies classic presentation via the six Ps (planar, purple, polygonal, pruritic, papules, plaques) and Wickham striae. High-potency topical corticosteroids represent first-line treatment for cutaneous, genital, and mucosal erosive forms. Topical tacrolimus is cited for vulvovaginal disease, systemic corticosteroids for severe widespread involvement, and acitretin or immunosuppressants for refractory cases. Lesions may resolve spontaneously within 1 to 2 years, though mucosal disease is noted to be more persistent.
Why it matters
It provides primary care clinicians with practical diagnostic criteria and a stepped-care management pathway for lichen planus.
Limits
As a narrative review, it presents expert guidance without systematic search criteria, meta-analytic pooling, sample sizes, or quantitative outcome measures.
Cited by
- context Lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that causes bruise-like lesions on the wrists, genitals, and tops of the feet triggered by excessive stress and sleep deprivation.