Lichen Planus Center - Independence, MO
Independence Dermatologist Doctors for Lichen PlanusType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Independence * Affiliated Dermatology  Raytown Family Medical Care  Summit Skin & Vein Care  Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists PC  Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists PC  Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists PC  Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists PC  Hugh R Bailey MD  Gale B Oleson MD  F Anthony Thomas MD  Children's Mercy Hospital Dermatology  Lees Summit Dermatology Associates PC  Bertram Caruthers Jr. MD  John C Hall MD PC  Midwest Medical Specialists  Sunflower Dermatology and Day Spa LLC  Dermatology Associates of Kansas City  Dermatology Associates of Kansas City  Kansas City Skin & Cancer Ctr LLC  Kansas City Skin & Cancer Ctr LLC  Advanced Dermatology & Skin Care  Richard J Walsh MD Independence, MissouriUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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Lichen PlanusRead the Lichen Planus article » What is lichen planus?Lichen planus is a recurrent rash that is due to inflammation. The rash is characterized by small, flat-topped, many-sided (polygonal) bumps that can grow together into rough, scaly patches on the skin. There may also be a rash in the lining (mucous membranes) of the mouth or vagina. Lichen planus is a very curious skin condition, the effects of which are localized to the areas of involvement. (Lichen refers to a tree moss while planus is Latin for flat = like a flat tree moss.)
How is the rash of lichen planus different from that of most other common rashes?The major point of distinction of lichen planus from eczema, psoriasis, and other common rashes is its color -- lilac or violet. The textbooks call it "violaceous."
What are the symptoms of lichen planus?Lichen planus itches with an intensity that varies in different people from mild to severe. The onset of lichen planus can be sudden or gradual. The first attack may last for weeks or months, and recurrences may happen for years. Children are not often affected by lichen planus. The bumps at first are 2 to 4 mm in diameter, with angular borders, and a violaceous color. At the onset of the disease, new bumps may appear at sites of minor skin injury, such as a superficial scratch. An excess of pigment (hyperpigmentation) may develop in the affected skin as the lesions persist. Rarely, a patchy scarring balding (alopecia) of the scalp occurs.
What does lichen planus look like?The appearance of lichen planus depends on whether the skin or the lining (mucous membranes) inside the mouth or vagina are affected:
Recommended Reading Related to Lichen PlanusWhat is a skin biopsy?A skin biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of further examination in the laboratory using a microscope. Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose a number of conditions.
Why is a skin biopsy performed?Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole, or a skin condition such as a rash. A skin biopsy can also be used to diagnose a cancer of the skin. A skin biopsy may be indicated when a mole or other marking on the skin has changed in its shape, color, or size. A skin biopsy is also sometimes used to diagnose infections of the skin.
What methods are used to obtain a skin biopsy?Different techniques are used in different situations. Typically the biopsies are obtained using local anesthetics.
Other Related Lichen Planus ArticlesEmergency Contact for Independence
Nearby Independence Hospitals *Centerpoint Medical Center Two Rivers Psychiatric Hospital Kansas City VA Medical Center North Kansas City Hospital Truman Medical Center Lakewood Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill Western Missouri Mental Health Center Children's Mercy Hospital & Clinics St Mary's Medical Center Research Psychiatric Center Research Medical Center Select Specialty Hospital Western Missouri Saint Luke's Hospital Saint Luke's East Rainbow Mental Health Facility University of Kansas Hospital & Medical Center Kindred Hospital Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center Liberty Hospital Lee's Summit Medical Center Children's Mercy Northland St Joseph Medical Center  Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute  Shawnee Mission Medical Center  Saint Luke's Northland Hospital Barry Road Campus  Heartland Spine & Specialty Hospital  Doctor's Hospital  Specialty Hospital of Mid America  Children's Mercy South  Mid-America Rehabilitation Hospital  Menorah Medical Center  Saint Luke's South Hospital  Overland Park Regional Medical Center  Select Specialty Hospital Kansas City  Providence Medical Center  Excelsior Springs Medical Center  Research Belton Hospital  Saint Luke's Northland Hospital Smithville Campus  Ray County Memorial Hospital  Olathe Medical Center  Lafayette Regional Health Center  Saint John Hospital  VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System Leavenworth  Cass Regional Medical Center  Cushing Memorial Hospital  Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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