The diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually based on the characteristic clinical picture. For confirmation, a tissue sample can be taken from an affected area and examined histologically. Under the microscope, a thickening of the uppermost skin layer, defense cells and deposited antibodies can be detected. In addition, blood tests can sometimes be helpful (for example, in the case of a viral hepatitis in question). It is important to rule out certain differential diagnoses, such as psoriasis or allergic reactions to certain drugs, before starting treatment.

The Therapy

Treatment is not always necessary in the case of lichen ruber planus, since in most cases it regresses spontaneously on its own. The prerequisite for this (as well as for a successful therapy) is to eliminate any triggers such as medication. Only about 20% of patients benefit from a therapy.

In this case, various cortisone preparations are available to reduce the inflammation and itching. Normally, locally applied ointments or patches are preferred in the first instance. If the symptoms do not improve underneath or if the infestation is very pronounced, crystal solutions can also be injected or cortisone tablets can be taken for a short time. Another option is local light therapy or local photo chemotherapy (PUVA).Further irradiation possibilities are a UVB therapy or also a Balneo PUVA. If all therapy options are exhausted and have not led to a sufficient improvement, a more aggressive, immunosuppressive treatment, for example with Ciclospoprin A, can be carried out.

The prognosis

If the therapy is carried out consistently, healing of the lichen ruber planus usually occurs after a few months (on average about 9 to 18). However, in most patients, recurrences (=reappearance of the disease) occur at some point. In some cases, foci that elude successful therapy can mutate into a precancerous stage (precancerosis), which is why it is advisable to visit a doctor regularly to check on the progress of the disease if it persists for a longer period of time. Since it is not yet known for sure what causes lichen ruber, it is not yet possible to effectively prevent this disease.