Viscous lidocaine mouth washes may numb the area temporarily and make eating more comfortable if mouth lesions are present. Corticosteroids may be injected directly into a lesion. Occlusive dressings may be placed over topical medications to protect the skin from scratching. Lichen planus is generally benign and may resolve with treatment, but can persist for months to years. Oral lichen planus usually clears within 18 months.
Recurrence is common.
Lichen planus lesions may precede development of squamous cell cancers. Call your health care provider if symptoms persist or if there are changes in the appearance of skin or oral lesions. This is a condition usually seen in adults, although it can occur in children. The papules are asymptomatic but persist for long periods of time. They generally occur only on the abdomen, flexor surfaces of the elbows and palms, and on the male genitalia.