How long does oral corticosteroid treatment take to work for lichen planus?

Lichen planus can affect the skin, mouth, genitals, nails, or scalp. Fewer new bumps and less itching may come before the older areas flatten. Darker marks can remain after inflammation improves, particularly in deeper skin tones. Mouth or genital soreness may follow a different course from skin lesions, so mention every affected area at review.

Take oral corticosteroids exactly as prescribed and do not alter or stop them without tapering advice. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care and avoid picking or rubbing lesions. If your mouth is involved, tell the clinician about painful eating, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing. Keep a note of new lesions, itch, pain, mouth symptoms, and any medicine side effects to discuss at follow-up.

Arrange prompt review if new lesions continue, mouth or genital pain is worsening, swallowing becomes difficult, or an eye becomes painful or light-sensitive. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, fainting, confusion, or a severe allergic reaction. Report severe mood changes, unusual weakness, or symptoms of very high blood sugar during treatment.

Ask which body areas should improve first, when the dose will be reviewed, how the taper will work, and whether a topical or other longer-term treatment is suitable. Ask how lingering dark marks can be distinguished from active inflammation.