Lichen planus: a clinical and epidemiological study

Clinical and epidemiological data from 232 patients with lichen planus is presented. Lichen planus constituted 0.38% of the total dermatology, outpatients diagnosed. The patient ages ranged from 8 to 76 years, most being in the age range from 20 to 49 years. Duration of disease varied from 1 month to 7 years. Both sexes were equally affected. The majority of the patients (47.4%) had classical lesions followed by hypertrophic and actinic lichen planus next in frequency. Itching was the predominant symptom in 79.3%. Limbs were the most frequent initial site of onset (55.6%). Mucosal involvement along with cutaneous lesions were observed in 16.8% and genital involvement in only 5.2%. Nail changes were observed in 15.1% of patients. A history of recurrence of the disease was obtained from 10.3% of patients. Liver disease was found to be associated in 2.2% of patients. No malignant changes were observed in any of the lesions of lichen planus.