Lichen planusis a chronic autoimmune, mucocutaneous disease. It can affect the oral mucosa, skin, genital mucosa, scalp and nails.
In the majority of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) there is no associated cutaneous lichen planus or lichen planus at other mucosal sites.
This may be called “isolated” OLP.
It commonly affects the middle-aged patients and has a female predilection.
OLP is also seen in children, although it is rare. The disease affects 0.5-2% of the population.
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The clinical history confirms the relationship between OLP and oral cancer, although the degree of the risk involved is controversial.
Therefore, OLP should be considered a precancerous lesion, emphasizing the importance of periodic follow-ups in all the patients.
Various treatment modalities for lichen planus have bee tried including topical and systemic steroids, retinoids, immunosuppressive drugs, surgery, lasers and photochemotherapy.
Fuente: http://medind.nic.in