What should you know about plantar lichen planus?

On the sole, lichen planus may look thicker, scaly or cracked because the skin is under pressure when you stand and walk. It can affect one or both feet and may be uncomfortable even when the visible change is subtle. A clinician may examine the pattern, ask about symptoms elsewhere on the skin or mouth, and review medicines or recent illness. Other causes of itchy skin or foot scaling can look similar, so a diagnosis should not be made from appearance alone.

Learn more about [Lichen Planus](/conditions/lichen-planus/) and related concerns such as [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/) or [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/).

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the change persists, spreads or interferes with walking. Keep the soles moisturised with a bland, fragrance-free emollient, avoid picking or scrubbing, and choose comfortable footwear that reduces friction. A clinician may recommend a [Topical Corticosteroid](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) for local inflammation. More extensive disease may prompt discussion of [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/), with the choice guided by your health history.

Seek prompt medical care for painful cracks, bleeding, pus, marked swelling, warmth or difficulty bearing weight. Arrange an earlier review if changes also appear in the mouth, genitals, eyes or nails, or if a new medicine preceded a widespread rash. Urgent assessment is appropriate for eye pain or vision changes.

Could this be lichen planus or another cause of sole inflammation? Would a skin sample help confirm it? Which moisturiser and treatment strength suit the thick skin on my feet? How should I protect cracks while walking, and what changes should make me contact the clinic?