How effective is oral corticosteroid treatment for lichen planus?

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can cause itchy, purple or reddish bumps on the skin. It may also affect the mouth, genitals, nails, or scalp. Oral corticosteroids reduce immune-driven inflammation, which can ease itch, soreness, and the appearance of new lesions while the condition settles.

They do not suit every flare. A clinician considers whether the skin is widespread, whether sensitive areas are involved, and whether infection or another diagnosis needs attention. Existing colour changes can linger after active inflammation improves, so appearance may change more slowly than itch.

Take the prescribed medicine as directed and follow the planned dose reduction. Do not share tablets or stop suddenly without guidance. Mention diabetes, blood pressure problems, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis, mental-health conditions, infection exposure, pregnancy, and all other medicines before treatment.

Use fragrance-free moisturiser and avoid scratching or irritating products. For mouth or genital symptoms, ask about gentle local care and whether a specialist examination is needed. Keep follow-up appointments so the clinician can review new lesions, sensitive-site symptoms, and possible steroid effects.

Seek prompt assessment for painful mouth sores that make drinking difficult, genital sores, eye pain or vision change, rapidly spreading blisters, fever, or signs of infection. Contact the prescriber for severe mood change, marked swelling, unusual thirst or urination, or other worrying effects while taking corticosteroids.

Ask which areas need treatment, what improvement should look like, how long oral treatment is expected to last, and how it will be reduced. Ask whether a local treatment could help a particular site and which symptoms require urgent review.