Diagnosis and management of typical clinical manifestations and variants of lichen planus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62452/6jmhcf43Keywords:
Uncommon variants of lichen planus, diagnosis, typical clinical manifestations, therapeutic strategiesAbstract
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and adnexa, presenting in diverse clinical variants that complicate diagnosis and treatment. While the classic form is characterized by pruritic, violaceous papules with Wickham’s striae, rare variants such as pigmentary, inverse, linear, annular atrophic, and pemphigoid LP exhibit heterogeneous manifestations and often resist conventional therapy. These uncommon forms may be associated with viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or medications, further complicating clinical management. Accurate identification and characterization of each variant are essential for effective diagnosis and treatment, with histological evaluation playing a crucial role when dermatoscopic criteria are insufficient. Available treatments include topical and systemic corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and retinoids, with variable outcomes depending on the clinical presentation. Additionally, LP significantly impacts patients’ emotional well-being, causing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and social difficulties due to visible skin and mucosal changes. Despite current knowledge, rare variants remain a clinical challenge, highlighting the need for ongoing research into new therapeutic strategies and the development of advanced diagnostic tools, such as imaging techniques and specific biomarkers. An integrated approach combining specialized treatment and psychological support is essential to improve the quality of life for patients living with this chronic, complex, and recurrent disease.
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