Lichen Planus.

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is a T cell-mediated disease affecting the stratified squamous epithelia of the skin and/or mucus membrane. Histologically, the disease is characterized by a lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate and vacuolar degeneration of the basal layer of the epidermis. LP has three major subtypes: Cutaneous, mucosal and appendageal LP. Rarely, it may affect the nails in the absence of skin and/or mucosal changes. LP may also be induced by several drugs, typically anti-hypertensive medication or be associated with infections, particularly viral hepatitis. The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation and characteristic histological findings. Although the disease is often self-limiting, the intractable pruritus and painful mucosal erosions result in significant morbidity. The current first-line treatment are topical and/or systemic corticosteroids. In addition, immunosuppressants may be used as corticosteroid-sparing agents. These, however are often not sufficient to control disease. Janus kinase inhibitors and biologics (anti-IL-12/23, anti-IL17) have emerged as novel future treatment options. Thus, one may expect a dramatic change of the treatment landscape of LP in the near future.

• Authors: Katharina Boch, Ewan A Langan, Khalaf Kridin, Detlef Zillikens, Ralf J Ludwig, Katja Bieber
• Journal: Frontiers in medicine (Front Med (Lausanne)) Vol. 8 Pg. 737813 ( 2021) ISSN: 2296-858X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 34790675 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Boch, Langan, Kridin, Zillikens, Ludwig and Bieber.