Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms and speed healing of the skin lesions. If symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.

Treatments may include:

• Antihistamines
• Immune-suppressing medications, such as cyclosporine (in severe cases)
• Lidocaine mouth washes -- to numb the area temporarily and make eating more comfortable (for mouth lesions)
• Topical corticosteroids (such as clobetasol) or oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) -- to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses. Corticosteroids may be injected directly into a lesion.
• Topical retinoic acid cream (a form of vitamin A) and other ointments or creams -- to reduce itching and inflammation and aid healing
• Dressings may be placed over topical medications to protect the skin from scratching.
• Ultraviolet light therapy may be helpful in some cases.

Expectations (prognosis):

Lichen planus is generally not harmful and may get better with treatment. However it may last for weeks to months, and may come and go for years. It usually clears up within 18 months.

Complications:

Long-standing mouth ulcers may develop into oral cancer.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• Your symptoms continue
• The skin or mouth lesions change in appearance
• The condition continues or worsens even with treatment
• Your dentist recommends adjusting your medications or treating conditions that trigger the disorder