What is lichen planus classification?

Lichen planus is an immune-mediated and chronic inflammatory disease that affects the nails, scalp, skin, mucous membranes and genitals. It is characterized by clusters or rows of raised, dark, flat-topped skin lesions. Lichen planus skin condition is neither contagious or infectious. Apart from being chronic, lichen skin has periods of relapses and remissions. Lichen planus can affect people of any age, but it is more common in people over the age of 30 years. (Source: Medical News Today)

Lichen planus classification

Lichen planus might occur differently in different individuals. Depending on the presentation of the lesions, described below is the classification of lichen planus, that one should be aware of:

• Hypertrophic lichen planus:

  Usually seen on the extremities, these are the thickened itchy lesions of lichen planus that occur between the foot and the knee.

   

• Follicular lichen planus:

  This type of lichen planus affects the follicles of the hair, which further leads to scarring. In some cases, the patients suffering from this can also experience hair loss.

   

• Lichen planus actinic:

  In this type, the exposed areas of the face, nape of the neck, dorsum of the hands and arms develop dark lesions with pale borders. This type of lichen planus is commonly seen during the summertime.

   

• Lichen planus pigmentosus:

  This type of lichen planus results in dark brown spots that develop in sun-exposed folds and areas of the skin and in most cases, it can also spread to the upper body.

   

• Annular lichen planus:

  This type of lichen planus involves the male genitalia but also has a predilection for folds of the skin, such as groin and axilla folds, and are marked by small clusters of lesions in a ring form.

   

• Linear lichen planus:

  Linear lichen planus results in lesions which develop along a straight line, usually on the extremities.