i was diagnosed with crohns disease feb 2010. i have had a right hemi collectomy. i have today been to doctors with lisons in my mouth and they think it is lichen planus but need abiopsy to confirm. just wondered what lichen planus is and will i be asleep when biopsy done. many thanks
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at Chat Doctor Lichen plans (LP) has an autoimmune etiology. It presents as itchy, polygonal, violates or purple colored, flat lesions. Itching is a prominent feature in lichen plans. Sites commonly affected are wrists, abdomen (flanks), shins, flexor arms. The disease may be localized or generalized. Oral mucosa as well as nail involvement may also be seen in LP. Oral lesions may cause eating and swallowing difficult. The diagnosis of LP is mostly clinical however a skin biopsy may be ordered to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Skin biopsy in LP is performed under local anesthesia. You would be awake but you won't feel the pain. Topical treatment of lichen plans is with prescription topical super potent steroids e, g clobetasol propionate cream OR Clobetasol propionate cream. These alone are sufficient for limited disease. In addition to topical steroids, oral steroids and HY Chat Doctor. Lichen Plans has a good prognosis, the lesions ultimately subside, but there may be a few recurrences before it finally subsides. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may persist for months of years after LP have resolved. Regards