How is the rash of lichen planus different from that of most other common rashes?
The major point of distinction of lichen planus from eczema, psoriasis, and other common rashes is its color — lilac or violet. The textbooks call it “violaceous.” What are the symptoms of lichen planus? Lichen planus itches with an intensity that varies in different people from mild to severe. The onset of lichen planus can be sudden or gradual. The first attack may last for weeks or months, and recurrences may happen for years. Children are not often affected by lichen planus. The bumps at first are 2 to 4 mm in diameter, with angular borders, and a violaceous color. At the onset of the disease, new bumps may appear at sites of minor skin injury, such as a superficial scratch. An excess of pigment (hyperpigmentation) may develop in the affected skin as the lesions persist. Rarely, a patchy scarring balding (alopecia) of the scalp occurs. What does lichen planus look like? The appearance of lichen planus depends on whether the skin or the lining (mucous membranes) inside the mouth or
