Symptoms of Lichen planus

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The rash appears, often suddenly, in the form of shiny, raised, red-purple spots of 3-5 mm in diameter, with a flat top. The spots often run together in patterns or clumps. The skin may also have irregular white streaks (Wickhamâ€™s striae) on the top of each bump.

The rash usually affects the wrists, ankles, elbows, lower back or genitals, but other parts of the body can also be affected. Each bump usually lasts several months.

The rash causes intense itching, particularly at night.

The signs of oral lichen planus are white streaks on the cheeks and gums, which are usually painless and not itchy. Mouth ulcers can also develop and these be painful or uncomfortable.

In men, lichen planus can affect the penis, with purple-coloured or white ring-shaped patches, which may be confused with thrush but are often not itchy. The genital area can be affected in women but this is less common.

Thickened ('hypertrophic') lichen planus affects the shins, and ring shaped ('annular') lichen planus affects creases in the skin, such as the armpits. Lichen planus can affect other parts of the body such as the nails, scalp (causing hair loss) and rarely, the inside of the vulva or oesophagus.