How effective are topical corticosteroids for lichen planus?

Lichen planus can cause itchy, inflamed bumps or plaques, and it may also affect the mouth, genitals, scalp or nails. A topical corticosteroid can suppress local inflammation and reduce itch, helping the skin settle. Thick plaques may respond differently from thin areas, and colour changes can remain after active inflammation improves. Treatment for mucosal, scalp or nail disease may require a different approach, so a product suitable for one site should not automatically be used on another.

Follow the clinician's directions for the affected site, amount and course. Apply only to the intended lesions and avoid eyes or sensitive internal surfaces unless specifically prescribed for them. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care and resist scratching, which can worsen irritation and damage. Keep follow-up appointments if recommended, because persistent, changing or treatment-resistant lesions may need confirmation of the diagnosis and a revised plan. Do not stop or restart prolonged treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.

Contact a clinician if lesions spread, become painful, ulcerate, bleed, or interfere with eating, speaking, sleep or sexual activity. Arrange prompt review for eye symptoms, scalp hair loss, nail lifting, or signs of infection such as pus, warmth or fever. Seek urgent help for facial swelling or breathing difficulty after applying a product.

Ask which areas can safely receive the prescribed corticosteroid, how to recognise active inflammation, and what to do if itch persists. Ask whether mouth, genital, scalp, nail or eye symptoms need separate assessment and how follow-up will check the response.