What should you know about otic lichen planus?

Lichen planus can affect skin around the ear and, less often, the ear canal. It may cause itch, redness, scaling, soreness, or small bumps. Swelling and debris in the canal can interfere with hearing, but hearing change also has many other causes. A clinician may inspect the ear with an otoscope and examine skin elsewhere, the mouth, nails, and scalp. This helps separate lichen planus from eczema, contact irritation, infection, or wax problems.

Arrange assessment with a dermatologist or ear specialist rather than putting unprescribed creams, oils, or drops into the canal. Keep water and cotton buds out of an irritated ear, and avoid scratching or peeling scale. Depending on the exact site, a clinician may prescribe carefully selected topical corticosteroids; oral corticosteroid treatment may be considered for more extensive disease. Use only products specifically advised for the ear because the eardrum and canal require extra care.

Seek prompt medical review for increasing ear pain, discharge, fever, marked swelling, new hearing loss, dizziness, or ringing that begins with the flare. Get urgent help for sudden severe hearing loss, facial weakness, breathing difficulty, or swelling of the face or throat.

Ask which part of the ear is affected, whether the eardrum is healthy, how to apply treatment safely, what hearing symptoms mean, and whether other lichen planus sites need checking.