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I was just told I had lichen planus after a biopsy on the right side of my neck. I just had a little sore there, but when they did the biopsy, I now have a rash all over my neck and even down my chest. They gave me cortisone cream, which doesn't seem to help although it has been a few days. I had just had it in my mouth for a month and two dentists and two doctors didn't come up with diagnoses. Thank God I asked to see a dermatologist. Although she spent about five minutes with me when she told me what I had. She gave me medication and told me to take a pill by mouth if I itch, and I don't. I have never heard of lichen planus before but it looks terrible.

I've had lichen planus for about six years now, and it makes it hard for me to wear foot wear such as boots and shoes. I have it on my lower legs and feet and on the tops and bottoms of my hands. It is hard to walk at times. If I stay in the sun too long, it feels as if it is on fire. My dermatologist said there is no known cure for it. It just has to run its course. I was told it flares up if I consume too much caffeine or get upset, as these are common triggers. But it's the itching that gets really bad. And it can bleed if I scratch too much. I've used all the itch creams out there and they don't work. I'm just about at the end of my rope with this. It's very frustrating when it appears.

I have been suffering occasionally for the last four years, but I was only diagnosed one year ago with oral lichen planus after a severe outbreak. A biopsy was taken to confirm the diagnosis. I went to an oral skin specialist two months ago, and he prescribed Prednisolone tablets 5 mg (once daily), and dexamethasone mouthwash (three times daily). I must say, I have not had a serious outbreak since starting this treatment, just minor eruptions. If this treatment does not satisfactorily settle it down, my next option is Plaquenil. Before this, I had tried naturopathic treatments to no avail.

I have had lichen planus now for six years. It is localized to my lower legs and wrists. Some spots appear on my hands; however, they disappear, then come back. I scratch until inflamed lesions with blood appear. I just don't know what to do about it. It is extremely itchy. I have been to general doctors and a dermatologist. All I receive is a topical steroid cream or some ointment. This relieves symptoms for a while; however, they soon return.

I have been diagnosed with lichen planus on my skin. I don't have any oral lesions or genital lesions. My dermatologist at first thought it was a form of lupus, but the biopsy and blood tests revealed lichen planus. The rash started on my right shoulder and spread all over my chest, back, arms, hands, and legs. Prednisone cream twice a day helps stem the itching. It's been more than a month and I still have shadow marks on my skin, but the itching has eased. I'm so thrilled I don't have lupus. I'm almost glad it's "only" lichen planus.

I contracted lichen planus in my early 20s. I had it on the inside of my wrists and the inside of my arches on both feet. Sometimes it would spread to the back of my hands. I saw a dermatologist who suggested it was caused by "nerves." There wasn't any real treatment available. I am a chemical operator by trade, and when I got laid off my symptoms disappeared within two months after having it for about two years. One doctor suggested that it was a reaction to certain kinds of chemicals. I agree with this, as I have had a couple of "bumps" recur from time to time but never like the first episode.

I had lichen planus when I was about 19 years old. I had a severe case that caused long-lasting scars on many part of my body. It only went away with steroid injections. When I was 35, I started having problems with arthritis, which was later diagnosed as psoriatic arthritis. My daughter who is 19 just had a bad outbreak of lichen planus now. That suggests to me that there is heritability, just as with psoriatic disorders.