Lichen Planus – A Refractory Autoimmune Disorder
April 2023
in “
IP Indian journal of clinical and experimental dermatology
”
lichen planus oral lichen planus CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes cytokines TNF-α IL-10 IFN-γ IL-4 IL-8 hyperpigmentation scarring alopecia antihistamines corticosteroids retinoids immunomodulators phototherapy immunosuppressives griseofulvin chloroquine derivatives LP OLP T lymphocytes tumor necrosis factor alpha interleukin-10 interferon gamma interleukin-4 interleukin-8 hair loss steroids vitamin A derivatives immune system modulators light therapy immune system suppressants antifungal antimalarial
TLDR Lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is hard to treat and more common in women.
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting mucocutaneous regions, with a higher incidence in females (ratio 1.5:1) and an estimated prevalence of 0.5%-4.0%. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is more common and persistent than the cutaneous form, particularly in the Indian population where its prevalence is around 3%. LP is an autoimmune condition primarily mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, with cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-8 playing significant roles in its pathogenesis. Complications can include hyperpigmentation, scarring alopecia, and potential malignant transformation. Diagnosis is confirmed through biopsy, and while there is no cure, treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, retinoids, immunomodulators, phototherapy, and immunosuppressives, with variable results from griseofulvin and chloroquine derivatives. Further studies are needed to explore treatment efficacy.
