I have had lichen planus since about age 9. It started on my ankles, lower abdomen, and lower back. I also remember my naval itching constantly. At that time, the only treatment that could be provided was a few ultraviolet light sessions. I was told to sit outside, exposing the affected area to the sun. That seemed to relieve the itching, but the spots took a long time to go away. Since that time, I have had many outbreaks: some mild, some severe. The disease has appeared on my ankles, the tops of my feet, my wrists, legs, back, abdomen, mouth, and vagina. It usually appears symmetrically on each side of my body. About 10 years ago, my dermatologist prescribed Fluocinonide Gel and Protopic ointment. They both seem to work fine in most areas to relieve the itching and speed healing, although you have to be careful using the gel in your mouth (it is not recommended) because you cannot swallow the medication. The vaginal area is also tricky because the corticosteroids can trigger a yeast infection. I am having a bout with lichens in my mouth and vaginal area due to a reaction from a medication, which I just learned can happen. I also notice that the lichens will attack an open wound. I have not been left with any noticeable scars, but I do have some slight discolorations. Published: November 04 ::

I have had lichen planus for two years. It started as small blisters inside my mouth. Later I had places on the sides of my tongue and now I have places on my gums (which make them appear very red) anyone with this disease has my sympathy. I keep thinking it will go away but after two years, I am getting really frustrated. I have read about various treatments but I continue to use some cream my dentist recommended. It seems to soothe the pain, but it doesn't seem to look any better. I wonder if any of the alternative herbal medicines work. I would like to hear of any successful medication that might clear it up, or at least make it look better. Published: October 13 ::

I have had oral lichen planus for two years and was diagnosed four months ago. I have tried hormones, and oral kenalog without any relief. I am in a bout that has been going on for almost four months. The pain in my gums and tip of my tongue is constantly throbbing. I have suffered bone and gum loss. It started out as oral thrush and began in my cheeks as well. I cannot find anything that offers relief or calms my gums/tongue. Published: December 16 ::

I am newly diagnosed with lichen planus after months of seeking help from my doctor for relief from intensely itchy soles of the feet and ankles. When the rash came out on my arms too, I asked to see a dermatologist, as I had wound my way through tubes of hydrocortisone cream with no effect. Within minutes, my dermatologist had given me a name and suggested relief. The Elocon cream doesn’t seem to have made much difference yet, but using the Flexitol cream on my feet has made them more comfortable. I was fearing for my job before: As a nurse working 12-hour shifts, my feet couldn’t cope and kept me awake for much of the night with the itching. Published: December 16 ::

About eight months ago, I noticed a small raised patch on my shoulder. It was itchy, and within a short period, it got larger. So I saw my doctor who referred me to the local hospital. After having to wait for nearly two months to see a dermatologist, he diagnosed me with lichen planus and prescribed a hydrocortisone cream that made the itchiness even worse. Two months passed before my next appointment. By this time, the patch had become twice as big, and there were some small rashes breaking in a line away from the main spot. This time a Protopic cream was prescribed. Though I am following the prescription, the rash is spreading at am alarming rate and still very itchy. So during my recent visit to the dermatologist I asked if a biopsy could be carried out. He was some what reluctant about my request and kept mentioning scar and keloid. I had to stand my ground, so in two weeks time a biopsy will be carried out. I need peace of mind. Published: December 16 ::

I have had lichen planus for two years now. My first symptoms were the lacy white rash in my mouth that hurt and a few small bumps on my wrist, ankles, and abdomen that itched. I went to the doctor immediately that day and right away they wanted to treat me for thrush. This went on for two months. They gave me different medications that made me sick and didn’t do anything for my symptoms. I finally went to an ENT doctor and he knew what it was right away but performed a biopsy just to be sure. I still get a few bumps here and there, my mouth will hurt sometimes, and the taste of food is compromised. I have noticed though, if I stay away from certain foods, my rash and the lesions in my mouth disappear. Published: December 16 ::