LICHEN ANNULARIS

SYMPTOMS

Lichen annularis has different indications and symptoms depending on which body parts are afflicted. The following are typical symptoms:

• Hair loss
• Nail loss or damage
• Flat, purplish bumps in the wrist, forearm, ankle, or genitals
• Painful sores in the vagina or mouth
• Blisters
• Scalp color changes
• Lacy white patches on lips, mouth, or tongue

DIAGNOSIS

Lichen annularis is diagnosed by your doctor depending on your symptoms, health history, medical exam, and, if required, lab test findings. These tests may involve the following:

• Biopsy. A tiny piece of damaged tissue is removed and examined under a microscope by your specialist. 
• Hepatitis C test. You may be given a blood test to see whether you have hepatitis C, a probable cause of lichen planus.
• Allergy test. It is used to determine whether or not a person is allergic to anything that might cause lichen annularis.

TREATMENT

Lichen planus on the skin usually goes away on its own after a few months or even years. To help you prevent it, treatments that may aid in itching relief, pain alleviation, and healing are as follows:

• Corticosteroids. It is the initial line of defense against lichen annularis, which is typically treated with a prescription ointment. When used as a prescription and over a short period, they are safe.
• Oral anti-infection medicines. The antimalarial hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and the antibiotic metronidazole are two other oral drugs used to treat this disease in some cases.
• Immune response medicines. Prescriptions that inhibit or alter your immune reaction, such as Imuran, Cellcept, and Sandimmune, may be required if your possible side effects are severe.
• Antihistamines. It may alleviate the lichen annularis irritation.
• Retinoids. If corticosteroids and light therapy don’t work, your doctor may prescribe a retinoid medicine like acitretin, which is taken by mouth.

Light therapy. It might help treat lichen planus on the affected skin.