Lichen Planus Drug Reactions

Abstract

Lichen planus is a common chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. The lesions of lichen planus are most notably described using the six Ps: planar (flat-topped), purple, polygonal, pruritic, papules, and plaques. These characteristic lesions are often covered by the lacy, reticular, white lines known as Wickham striae. The exact etiology of this disease is unknown, however an immune- mediated pathology is well documented in the literature. A mucocutaneous eruption very similar to the idiopathic lichen planus presentation has been reported to be caused by several drug categories and whose recovery depends on the discontinuation of the drug. These drug categories include NSAIDS, ACE inhibitors, antimicrobials, and antiarthritics. The idiopathic disease can be distinguished from the drug eruption by characteristics of presentation and duration.