Lichen Planus Center - Pasco, WA
Pasco 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 Pasco * Tri Cities Dermatology Clinic  Robert B Hopp MD  Geoffrey S Ames MD  Robert J Marshall MD  Walla Walla Clinic  Walla Walla Clinic  Samaritan Internal Medicine Pasco, WashingtonUpcoming Local Events2012-06-09
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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 Pasco
Nearby Pasco Hospitals *Lourdes Medical Center Kennewick General Hospital Kadlec Medical Center Good Shepherd Medical Center Prosser Memorial 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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