Why is lichen planus purple?

Lichen planus on the skin is usually itchy. New lesions of lichen planus can be caused by injury (trauma). This so-called Koebner phenomenon may appear as a line of flat-topped, red-to-purple bumps on the skin.

What is polygonal rash?

The typical rash of lichen planus can be summarized with 5 “P’s”: Pruritic (itchy), Planar (flat surface, like a plateau), Purple, Polygonal (non-circular, straight edges) Papules (small raised skin bumps).

What does vulvar lichen planus look like?

Lichen planus of the vulva and vagina soreness, burning and rawness around the vulva. the vulva may be covered in white streaks and be a red, pink or pale white colour. if the vagina is affected, sexual intercourse can be painful. if the outer layers of skin break down, moist, red patches can form.

What condition is associated with Wickham striae?

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic, purple eruptions with white streaks (Wickham striae) on the surface (eFigure 2-32). The lesions can persist for months or years.

What happens if lichen planus goes untreated?

The affected skin might stay slightly darker even after the rash clears up, especially in dark-skinned people. Oral lichen planus increases the risk of oral cancer. Left untreated, lichen planus of the ear canal may lead to hearing loss.

What does lichen sclerosus look like?

In areas away from the genital skin, lichen sclerosus looks like small ivory-coloured slightly raised areas, which can join up to form white patches. After a while the surface of the spots can look like white wrinkled tissue paper.

Is lichen planus caused by stress?

Factors such as stress and psychological problems, especially depression and anxiety, have been mentioned as etiologic factors in lichen planus.

Why is my skin peeling on my private area?

Dry, flaky skin in a female’s pubic area can have many causes, including skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. Allergies and bacterial or fungal infections may also be the cause. Hair removal products or even wearing tight clothing can also damage the skin, making it dry, itchy, and flaky.

What are these flat-topped, purplish papules?

(Answer on next page.) The flat-topped, purplish, polygonal papules are typical of lichen planus, D. Lichen spinulosus lesions are well-circumscribed plaques that contain follicular keratoses. Lichen amyloidosis presents with highly pruritic, hyperpigmented papules and plaques.

How old is the woman with purple papules on her back?

A 48-year-old woman presents with a two-month history of intensely itchy papules on her back and hands. More recently, the lesions have begun to appear on her lower limbs and feet (Figure), occurring over bony prominences and after minor trauma.

What kind of skin disease causes purple papules?

Prurigo nodularis (PN). This chronic idiopathic pruritic dermatosis of unknown aetiology can affect males and females of all ages but tends to affect atopic individuals at a younger age. 3 Prurigo nodularis can complicate other chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema but can occur in isolation.

What kind of drugs are used for purple papules?

The rash may be indistinguishable from idiopathic LP or present as a nonspecific exanthem or enanthem with an LP-like histopathology. Drugs commonly involved include antimalarials, NSAIDs, thiazides and heavy metals such as gold and mercury (in amalgam).