Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin condition triggered by the immune system. It causes white streaks, erosions and sores on your skin. It can also affect moist areas of your body, such as your vulva and around the vaginal opening. Learn more about LP, the symptoms, causes and how to manage this condition.
What is lichen planus?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment and management
What you can do
Risks and complications
When to see your doctor
Related resources
Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin condition triggered by the immune system. This condition affects about 1% of the population. It’s more common in women than men and it mainly affects adults aged 40 years and over. About 50% of people with the condition have it in their mouth.
LP is not contagious and can’t be spread through sex. But it is a lifelong condition that will need to be treated and monitored.
Lichen planus and lichen sclerosus (LS) can occur together.
Symptoms of LP vary depending on the areas affected. When LP affects the vulva and vagina, you may notice:
You may also have:
It’s thought that lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder. These conditions cause the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues.
Other factors associated with LP include:
LP is usually diagnosed via a clinical examination. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They should examine your vulva and affected areas. They may also take a small sample (biopsy) of vulval skin and send it to a laboratory for testing.
Your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) or gynaecologist who specialises in vulval diseases.
There is no cure for LP – and you won’t be able to get rid of it completely – but treatment should reduce symptoms and stop the condition from getting worse.
Treatments may include:
The ointments will provide symptom relief, reduce inflammation and limit the risk of adhesion and scarring. It’s important to use the ointments long-term and as prescribed. Your doctor will need to review this treatment regularly.
It’s important to take extra care of your vulva and vagina when managing this condition. For example, use a soap-free wash, avoid tight-fitting clothes and try not to rub or scratch affected areas.
Learn more about vulval care.
LP can lead to changes in your vulva and vagina, including:
LP doesn’t cause cancer, but it is associated with an increased risk of vulval cancer.
See your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Sometimes LP can be mistaken for other skin conditions, including lichen sclerosus, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you are diagnosed with LP, you will need to have regular, ongoing check-ups with your doctor to monitor your condition.
This web page is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health practitioner. The information above is based on current medical knowledge, evidence and practice as at April 2023.
This content has been reviewed by a group of medical subject matter experts, in accordance with Jean Hailes policy.
© Jean Hailes Foundation. All rights reserved.