Health Information
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Understanding This Symptom
Medical Definition
Subject Matter Expert Verified
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that affects the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails.
It is characterized by the development of flat-topped, violaceous (purple), polygonal papules and plaques caused by T-cell mediated attack on basal keratinocytes.
The condition affects approximately 0.
5-2% of the global population, with onset typically between ages 30-60, and can persist for months to years with periods of remission and flare-ups.
Quick Facts
What Optimal Health Looks Like
Understanding how your body functions when healthy helps identify dysfunction
In a healthy individual, the skin and mucous membranes maintain immune homeostasis through carefully regulated interactions between keratinocytes and immune cells.
The epidermis consists of stratified squamous epithelium with basal keratinocytes continuously dividing and differentiating as they migrate upward.
The basement membrane zone provides structural integrity through hemidesmosomes and anchoring filaments connecting epidermis to dermis.
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) maintain immune tolerance, preventing inappropriate T-cell activation against self-antigens.
Healthy Function
Your body is designed to maintain balance and self-regulate
How This Develops
Antigen presentation - Unknown triggers (viral, drug, or contact allergen) cause basal keratinocytes to display altered self-antigens or stress-induced ligands; (
CD
Basal keratinocyte destruction - Activated CD
Interface dermatitis - The inflammatory infiltrate at the dermo-epidermal junction disrupts normal tissue architecture; (
Max-Joseph spaces - Vacuolar alteration creates clefts between epidermis and dermis; (
Civatte bodies (colloid bodies) - Dyskeratotic keratinocytes represent damaged basal cells that have undergone premature apoptosis; (
Hyperkeratosis and acanthosis - Reactive epidermal thickening occurs as the skin attempts to compensate for basal layer damage; (
Melanin incontinence - Melanin pigment falls into the dermis from destroyed basal layer, causing persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; (
Matrix metalloproteinase activation - Tissue remodeling enzymes contribute to scarring in chronic lesions, particularly on scalp and nails
Understanding the mechanism helps us target the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Understanding the consequences helps you make informed decisions about your health
Short-Term Consequences
Days to weeks
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Time Matters
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.