Lichen Planus –A Review

Abstract

Lichen planus is a fairly distinctive, chronic, immunologically mediated mucocutaneous disease, of uncertain etiology that was first described as a disease of the skin that can also affect mucosal surfaces, including those that line the oral cavity. The prevalence of LP in the general population is of the order of 0.9 to 1.2%. It is stated that approximately 40% of lesions occur on both oral and cutaneous surfaces, 35% on cutaneous and 25% on mucosal surfaces alone. Oral lichen planus known to affect both men and women, usually between the ages of 30 and 70 years. This paper presents a review on lichen planus with its, pathophysiology, clinical features, and different modes of treatment.