MedicineNet.com

I have had vulvo-vaginal lichen planus for 13 years. It was first misdiagnosed as yeast. As a final option to stop the itch, I am usually given prednisone. I am suffering a bout right now and just started the steroids a few hours ago. I am awaiting some relief, or I could literally go insane with the itch and pain.

The first time I got lichen planus, it began as an intensely itching rash on my wrists and ankles. It spread to my shins and forearms and even in my navel. After nearly scratching my skin off to the point of scarring, I went to my family doctor who diagnosed it as scabies. I was mortified. I spent the next several weeks boiling clothing and bathing in poison. When that made no difference, my husband convinced me to see a dermatologist since scabies is supposed to be extremely contagious and no one else in the family had any sign of getting it in spite of close proximity. The dermatologist agreed that it looked exactly like scabies except upon microscopic examination, he could see striations which is telltale of lichen planus. He ordered a biopsy to be sure and put me on a regimen of three months of oral steroids. Additionally, I had to use a prescription steroid cream on the rash. It occasionally recurs in the heat of summer to a minor degree. However, I am now in another major breakout after suffering grease burns to my hand and forearm several weeks ago. The burned arm is covered from fingertips to elbow and the unburned arm has become affected as well. I also am getting some on my ankles. I will be going back to my doctor for some treatment since I can't tolerate the itching.

After 2 years of suffering my dentist told me it could be lichen planus. After reading everything I could on the Internet it has to be. When I went to an oral surgeon to have a tooth removed it naturally cleared up that day. It will come and go. The pain is unbelievable when the whole mouth goes. Everything I read says it lasts 2 years. I am waiting.