Erosive lichen planus explained

Erosive disease involves loss or breakdown of the surface layer rather than only raised bumps. It commonly affects the mouth or genital skin and may cause burning, tenderness, bleeding with contact, or difficulty eating and drinking. The surrounding area can look red, glazed, or pale. Ordinary itchy skin or skin bumps are not enough to identify this form. A clinician may inspect the mouth, genital area, skin, nails, and scalp, and may investigate a persistent sore when the appearance is uncertain.

Choose soft foods and cool drinks if mouth soreness makes eating uncomfortable, and avoid spicy, acidic, or abrasive items that sting. Use gentle, fragrance-free care on external skin and reduce friction from tight clothing or sexual contact until the area has been assessed. Do not apply household antiseptics or leftover creams to a raw surface. A clinician may prescribe topical corticosteroids for suitable sites; oral corticosteroid treatment or another medicine may be considered when inflammation is extensive. Use medicines exactly as directed and attend planned reviews.

Seek prompt medical care if pain prevents eating or drinking, swallowing becomes difficult, bleeding persists, urination is painful, eye pain or vision changes occur, or sores spread quickly. Fever, pus, increasing warmth, or worsening tenderness can indicate infection. A sore that does not heal or repeatedly returns also needs examination. These signs call for assessment because erosions can need more than barrier care.

Ask which sites are affected, whether testing is needed, how to protect the lining while it heals, and how to apply treatment safely. Clarify what improvement should look like and when a persistent erosion should be rechecked.