What should you know about most common type of lichen planus?

Cutaneous lichen planus often affects the wrists, ankles, lower back, or legs, although it can occur elsewhere. Individual bumps may have a flat top and fine pale lines on the surface. Several lesions can join into plaques, and scratching may cause new spots along an area of injury. Skin colour can remain changed after the inflammation settles. The pattern can resemble other causes of [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/) or [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/), so an examination is useful when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care and keep nails short to reduce damage from scratching. A clinician may recommend a strong anti-inflammatory cream for limited areas, such as [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/). More widespread, thick, or persistent disease may need a different plan, sometimes including [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/). Do not apply potent steroid medicine to the face, folds, or broken skin without specific instructions.

Arrange a dermatology review if the rash is widespread, interferes with sleep, leaves painful sores, or keeps returning. Seek earlier assessment for lesions in the mouth, eyes, or genital area, or for nail changes, hair loss, or signs of infection such as pus and increasing warmth. New or changing lesions deserve examination because several skin conditions can produce similar bumps.

Does the appearance fit cutaneous lichen planus, or is a biopsy needed? Which areas should receive treatment? How can I control itching without injuring the skin? Should my mouth, nails, scalp, or genital skin also be checked?