Lichen planus treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Yes. A doctor on Maple will be able to offer lichen planus treatment options after they’ve discussed your current condition and symptoms.

They may request additional testing to confirm the condition before they offer a lichen planus diagnosis

Yes. Our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it works page to learn more.

Lichen planus is a condition that causes irritation and swelling in various areas of the body.

There are a few different types of lichen planus, depending on the area body where the condition appears.

The most common lichen planus symptoms include:

• Lacy white patches in the mouth, on the tongue or lips
• Changes in scalp colour
• Nail loss
• Nail damage
• Painful sores in the mouth or vagina
• Blisters that break to form crusts or scabs
• Itchiness
• Flat, purple bumps, usually on the forearm, wrist, ankle, or genitals

Our own immune systems actually cause lichen planus.

Lichen planus is an autoimmune response that occurs when our immune systems start to attack skin cells or mucus membranes.

While lichen planus and psoriasis are skin conditions that share some similar symptoms, they are very different.

Psoriasis is a lifelong autoimmune condition. It’s a genetic condition and it has no cure. This condition causes bumpy red patches of skin, with scaly white tops.

It can appear anywhere on the body and cause itching, burning, bleeding, or stiff joints, depending on where it appears.

Usually, a lichen planus diagnosis will be suggested after tests are performed to confirm the condition.

Some of these possible tests include:

• Biopsy of infected tissue
• Hepatitis C testing
• Allergy tests

Lichen planus has no direct cure, but can disappear on its own without treatment. It may not return once it disappears, but when erosive lichen planus occurs, it can take longer to disappear. It will also be more likely to recur.

Various lichen planus treatments can reduce or relieve symptoms and accelerate the healing process.

Various lichen planus treatments can be recommended depending on the location, severity, and type of lichen planus you’re experiencing.

Some commonly used medications and treatments include:

• Oral anti-infection drugs
• Immune response medications
• Antihistamines
• Light therapy
• Topical corticosteroids
• Retinoids

Lichen planus can last a few months up to around two years before disappearing.

Receiving lichen planus treatments and medications can help accelerate the healing process and minimize negative symptoms from the condition.

With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare platform for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it works page to learn more.

Our doctors can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.