Skin
Itchy, flat-topped bumps or plaques may appear on the wrists, ankles, lower back or elsewhere. Darker marks can remain after active inflammation settles.
BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY
Inflammatory skin condition · OMR
Lichen planus treatment
in Chennai.
Assess the pattern. Control inflammation. Protect skin, scalp, nails and mucosal areas.
Lichen planus can affect the skin, mouth, scalp, nails or genital area, and its appearance can overlap with eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. At Ram Skin Clinic in Thoraipakkam, OMR, a dermatologist can assess the distribution, symptoms and severity before planning treatment.
The condition explained
What is lichen planus?
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can involve the skin and other sites. On the skin it may produce itchy, flat-topped bumps or plaques, often with a violaceous or darker colour. Oral disease can cause white lacy patches, soreness or erosions.
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that lichen planus reflects inflammation and that not everyone needs treatment, but treatment may be used to ease symptoms, reduce flare-ups or prevent worsening.
Recognising symptoms
Where can lichen planus appear?
The presentation varies by body site, which is why treatment should be tailored to the affected area rather than using the same cream everywhere.
Mouth & genital areas
Oral or genital lichen planus may cause white lines, raw areas, burning, pain or erosions and often needs closer follow-up.
Scalp & nails
Scalp involvement, called lichen planopilaris, can cause inflammation and scarring hair loss. Nail disease can cause ridging, thinning, splitting or progressive damage.
Diagnosis
How is lichen planus diagnosed?
Diagnosis often starts with a careful examination of the skin, scalp, nails and mouth together with questions about symptoms, medicines and other health conditions.
AAD guidance notes that some patients may need a skin biopsy, nail biopsy, blood testing or allergy testing when the diagnosis is uncertain or a related condition needs to be excluded.
Why medication history matters
Some medicines can cause lichenoid eruptions that resemble lichen planus. Bring an up-to-date list of tablets, supplements and recent medications.
Because psoriasis and eczema can sometimes resemble inflammatory lichenoid disease, see our psoriasis treatment and eczema treatment pages for related information.
Treatment options
How is lichen planus treated?
There is no single treatment for every patient. The plan depends on the body site, severity, symptoms, risk of scarring and whether the condition is localised or widespread.
Topical anti-inflammatory treatment
Prescription corticosteroid creams or ointments are commonly used for skin disease. Calcineurin inhibitors may be considered for selected sensitive areas.
Itch & symptom control
Antihistamines may help selected patients with itch. Oral and genital disease may need site-specific topical treatment and barrier care.
Phototherapy or systemic treatment
More extensive or persistent disease may require phototherapy or medication that works throughout the body. These options need dermatologist supervision because risks and monitoring differ.
Current AAD lichen planus treatment guidance describes topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, phototherapy and selected systemic medicines among the options, depending on the site and severity.
Scalp & nails
Some sites need earlier treatment.
Lichen planopilaris can cause permanent scarring hair loss, so scalp symptoms such as tenderness, itching, burning or progressive patchy hair loss should not be ignored.
Nail lichen planus can also cause permanent structural damage. Early assessment is important when several nails are changing or deterioration is rapid.
Tell us about these warning signs
Progressive scalp hair loss, painful oral ulcers, genital erosions, rapidly worsening nail changes or significant pain deserve prompt review because the consequences can be different from uncomplicated skin-only disease.
For hair concerns, you can also review our hair loss treatment in Chennai page once published.
Everyday management
Reduce irritation and track flare-ups.
Use prescribed treatment exactly as directed and avoid repeatedly changing products during a flare. Gentle skin care and avoiding unnecessary friction can make symptoms easier to manage.
AAD also notes that stress may worsen symptoms in some people. Keeping a simple record of flare timing, symptoms and treatment use can make follow-up more useful.
Oral lichen planus
Persistent mouth pain, ulcers or raw areas should be reviewed rather than self-treated. Oral lichen planus may need monitoring even when symptoms are mild.
General skin care
See our skin care tips for general barrier-supportive habits.
Follow-up
Review response by body site.
At follow-up, the dermatologist may assess whether itching, inflammation, mouth discomfort, scalp symptoms or nail changes are improving and whether treatment needs to be reduced, continued or changed.
Lichen planus can be persistent or recur, so follow-up is often based on the pattern and site rather than a fixed number of visits.
Lichen planus treatment cost in Chennai
Cost depends on the consultation, medicines, any biopsy or laboratory testing and whether procedures or follow-up are required.
Most patients do not need every investigation listed above. Testing is chosen only when it helps answer a specific diagnostic question.
Common questions
Lichen planus treatment FAQs.
Because skin, mouth, scalp, nails and genital disease behave differently, these answers are general and do not replace an examination.
Is lichen planus contagious?
No. Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition and is not spread by touching another person.
Can lichen planus go away on its own?
Skin lichen planus may settle over time in some people, while scalp, nail, oral or genital disease can behave differently and may need active treatment or monitoring.
Do I need a skin biopsy?
Not always. A dermatologist can often diagnose lichen planus clinically, but biopsy may be useful when the diagnosis is uncertain or when another condition needs to be excluded.
Can lichen planus affect hair and nails?
Yes. Lichen planopilaris can affect the scalp and may cause scarring hair loss, while nail lichen planus can cause progressive nail damage.
Is there one best treatment for lichen planus?
No. Treatment depends on the affected site, severity, symptoms and risk of damage. A personalised plan is usually required.
Your appointment in OMR
Plan your lichen planus consultation.
Bring a list of prescription medicines, supplements and creams, plus photographs of previous flares if available. Mention any mouth soreness, hair loss, nail changes or genital symptoms even if they seem unrelated to the skin rash.
Ram Skin Clinic is in Best Towers, above Domino’s Pizza, in Okkiampet, Thoraipakkam, Chennai.
Visit us in OMR
Book your skin
assessment in OMR.
Book a consultation at Ram Skin Clinic in Thoraipakkam, Chennai.
#48, Second Floor, Flat E, Best Towers,Okkiampet, Thoraipakkam, OMR,
Chennai – 600097. Above Domino’s Pizza.
General patient information. Your dermatologist determines individual diagnosis and treatment.