r/Lichenplanus

Just wanted to share this in case it helps someone else, because I spent almost a year going in circles.

My lichen planus started in September 2025, right after a COVID infection during a really stressful period. I got a biopsy, and it confirmed LP. But even with that report in hand, doctor after doctor kept telling me it was pityriasis rosea instead – mostly because I don't have any itching.

In December I was put on a plain cortisone cream. It did work, but incredibly slowly: constant application, and it took about three months before the papules finally went away. That was the first time my skin was clear.

Then in February I started going back to the gym, and I had a new flare. Some of the old spots came back and a lot of new ones appeared on top of that. I went back to a dermatologist, and again: "pityriasis rosea, you don't have LP, it doesn't itch." Honestly, that was the most frustrating part of the whole year.

In spring I spent a week on Gran Canaria, and the sun and seawater clearly did something – a lot of spots faded noticeably. But a week was just too short. The remaining ones stayed inflamed and never fully cleared, and eventually new ones joined them.

A week ago I finally saw a different dermatologist. He looked at my skin and diagnosed lichen planus immediately, before he even opened the biopsy report I'd brought along. He also told me I should count myself lucky that mine doesn't itch – apparently I'm one of the few.

He prescribed Volon A Tinktur N. It's a liquid, not an ointment: alcohol-based, with cortisone plus salicylic acid. He warned me it can burn badly on open lesions, but luckily I don't have any.

By day three I could already see a difference. The salicylic acid loosened the scaling and hyperkeratosis on the spots, which apparently lets the cortisone actually get in – and that seems to be exactly what was missing before. One week in: some spots are completely gone, the rest are visibly fading. I've attached photos, and honestly I'm still a bit stunned that this is one week of progress after a year of slow going.

Not medical advice, obviously, and I know LP behaves differently for everyone. But if you're stuck in the same misdiagnosis loop, or a plain cortisone cream isn't cutting it: it might be worth asking about a combination with salicylic acid.

So I’ve had these ulcers on the right side and the left side of my tongue for months now. They never go away, but I do have one or two days a week where they’re not hurting me. I am diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, but from what I’ve been told the ulcers that usually accompany my auto immune disease are not symmetrical. I have an appointment with the oral surgeon on Monday to get it biopsied. I can’t live like this anymore. It’s so painful. It hurts to talk, eat and drink. I tried magic mouthwash, prescription pastes, warm salt water, warm water with baking soda, lidocaine gel, etc, and nothing really seems to work. I can maybe get 30 minutes of relief but that’s it. Anybody have anything that resembles this and have any idea what it ? I know I have my biopsy on Monday, but I’m just wondering if I’m alone.
Thanks

I had a mint chewing gum habits for hours, everyday, for 2 years

I got a cleaning at Dentist in January, he noticed the webs in my cheeks during a cleaning, i never noticed it myself because it's completely painless

I quit mint chewing gum completely, and started to eat slowly so i don't bite my cheeks while eating

And it's now 80% gone, he said he won't biopsy it, and won't treat it because there is no reason to

It started as one spot on the bottom of my foot earlier this year. Literally an itchy red bump that I thought was a bug bite. Soon turned into a red spot about the size of a nickel, and that when I got it biopsied and the results showed lichen planus. Like right after the biopsy, a few more spots started showing up, and now this is how one of my feet looks after just a few months. The other one’s just as bad. I also have a few small patches on my ankles, and on one palm/both wrists. But my feet are the worst. They basically hurt and itch constantly, like enough to wake me up at night. I like to walk for exercise and this makes it very difficult, not to mention a couple times after kind of a lot of walking, some of the sores have turned into blisters. But at this point it looks like my skin is just peeling off… I moisturize my feet multiple times a day but they always look/feel dry. Just wondering if this is normal for LP, or maybe there isn’t really a normal and it’s different for everyone 🫤

Hi everyone,

Could this be oral lichen planus?

A bit of background:
Three years ago, I had an insect bite in my groin area. It changed over time, and initially, no one knew what it was. Eventually, a biopsy was performed, and I was diagnosed with lichen planus.

Now, three years later—just under two months ago—I noticed white lines and dots in my mouth after experiencing some mild gum pain. During that time, my dad also passed away quite suddenly. It was—and still is—a very difficult time. I think that also contributes to the possibility that things might have intensified.

My dentist thinks it could very well be lichen planus.
I am currently undergoing treatment and have a follow-up appointment coming up, likely with a dermatologist.

Does anyone have experience with this? Does it look like that to you? It’s scary thinking it could be something serious.

Thanks.

In May 2024, I noticed a small, dark brown spot in the middle of my forehead. It gradually became darker and larger. Around the same time, I had used an organic hair oil that caused a rash around my hairline, but the rash disappeared within 2–3 days after I stopped using it.

A few days later, I noticed another unusual ash-blue/greenish spot near my right cheek, close to the earline. Gradually, similar spots appeared on both cheeks.

My first dermatologist diagnosed it as melasma and prescribed SPF, Drone TM, and glutathione tablets. Drone TM helped significantly, but after stopping it, the pigmentation returned darker and more widespread, along with itching.

A second dermatologist diagnosed it as sunburn and recommended PRP instead of chemical peeling. I completed four PRP sessions—three with plasma microneedling and one with plasma injections. The pigmentation faded temporarily, but after stopping PRP, the spots returned larger, darker, and more widespread, with increased itching.

A third dermatologist again diagnosed melasma. Later, I was referred to another dermatologist, who examined my skin with a dermatoscope and diagnosed Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP). Also I had been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. He told me that complete recovery may be difficult and estimated the recovery chance at around 10%, but said she would try to improve it.

Because my skin condition was not suitable for laser treatment, she first prescribed SPF, moisturizer, ointment, and Roaccutane 20 mg (isotretinoin) for two months to improve my skin barrier. After completing the two months, she has now recommended chemical peeling, around 8–10 sessions, one per month.

I am very scared to proceed because I am worried that chemical peeling may not help and could potentially worsen or spread the pigmentation. I have already tried several treatments with only temporary improvement, followed by worsening after stopping them.

This has also affected me emotionally. My skin used to be very clear and smooth, and I rarely had acne or pigmentation. Now I feel extremely frustrated 😞 and self-conscious, and I am struggling to face people or even look at my own skin😣. I desperately want to know whether chemical peeling is genuinely appropriate for LPP in my case and whether there is a realistic chance of improvement.