by Lauren Beyenhof

Created on: June 06, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2009

Although it can be a reaction to infectious organisms, Lichen planus is a type of noninfectious rash. It is presumed to be caused by the immune system's reaction to certain drugs. It can also be caused by a reaction to the chemicals used to develop color photos.

The rash of lichen planus is typically very itchy, even to the point of being a source of severe discomfort. The rash itself is bumpy and somewhat purple colored. Unlike other rashes, lichen planus has a noticeable sheen to it when examined in the light. Scratching the bumps causes more bumps to break out on the skin.

Drugs known to cause an outbreak of lichus planus include gold, bismuth, arsenic, quinine, quinidine and quinacrine. Each of these can produces the recurring, itchy rash of lichus planus. The rash generally starts out as individual, small, reddish or purple spots. Over time these spots combine and turn into rough, uncomfortable scaly patches on the skin.

Lichen planus is usually evenly distributed across the body and is most often found on the following parts:

Torso

Inner wrist

Legs

Additionally breakouts can cover the head of the penis, be inside the vagina, or present as mouth sores. Mouth sores only occur in about 50 percent of cases of lichen planus. Usually the face remains unaffected by the rash. However, when the rash is present in the mouth, it looks like a bluish white patch. The sores are not always painful, but they can make eating and drinking very uncomfortable and difficult.

People who have lichen planus can expect the rash to come and go over a period of one to two years. The best treatment for the rash is prescribed corticosteroids such as prednisone. Alternatively, the bumps can be injected with corticosteroids to help calm the body's immune response. These treatments are only done during periods of an active outbreak. In between outbreaks there is no treatment required. Avoiding a breakout can be as simple as staying away from drugs or chemicals that are known to cause a reaction.

Topical anti-itch treatments are safe to use on the rash. Sometimes drugs such as acitretin or cyclosporin are used to control the outbreak of the bumps. Another effective treatment involves the use of ultraviolet light in combination with a type of medication called psoralens. This process is called PUVA (psoralens plus ultraviolet A) and is reportedly quite helpful. Mouth sores can be soothed with a mouth rinse containing the anesthetic lidocaine, which effectively numbs the area.

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