Lichen planus – A refractory autoimmune disorder

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease of unknown aetiology with an estimated incidence 0.5%–4.0% having female preponderance at ratio 1.5:1. Oral lichen (OLP) commoner than the cutaneous form and tends to be more persistent refractory treatment. The prevalence oral in Indian population around 3% predilection. lesions occur 50%–70% patients planus. LP considered T-cell-mediated autoimmune skin disease, which CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are major mediators. TNF-α IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-4, IL-8, have been suggested important role pathogenesis OLP. complications Planus include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring alopecia, dyspareunia, oesophageal stenosis & possible malignant transformation. Mucocutaneous site biopsy can confirm diagnosis when taken from edge plaque. There no cure for Planus, management often performed use antihistamines, corticosteroids, retinoids, immunomodulators, phototherapy immunosuppressives. Inconsistent results shown by griseofulvin chloroquine derivatives. (further prospective studies needed).