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February 10, 2012

Lichen Planus (cont.)

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What is the long-term prognosis of lichen planus?

Lichen planus usually goes away by itself in time. Some drugs can produce rashes that are similar in appearance to lichen planus. These rashes can be distinguished from lichen planus in that they go away when the offending drug is stopped.

Lichen planus, by contrast, usually persists quite a while before resolving. The average duration of the condition is four years. Even after going away, lichen planus may recur. The disease is thus paradoxical in that it tends to be self-limiting but may recur after years. It is usually not associated with any body-wide (systemic) diseases or problems.

Previous contributing medical author: Frederick Hecht, MD, FAAP, FACMG. Previous contributing medical editor: Barbara K. Hecht, PhD.

REFERENCES:

Lehman, J.S. "Lichen Planus." International Journal of Dermatology 48.7 (2009): 682-694.

"Lichen Planus." DermNet NZ. Aug. 30, 2011. <http://dermnetnz.org/scaly/lichen-planus.html>.


Last Editorial Review: 10/18/2011


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