Lichen Planus - misdiagnosis? cause?

I have had what is now diagnosed as Lichen Planus for about 5 years now. It began as a rash on my toe (I believe coincidental with a case of athlete's foot), and spread to affect my feet, ankles, elbows, wrists and fingers. Although these are typical locations for LP to manifest, I notice that when I wear shoes with straps across the upper side of my feet, I get papules all along where the strap was touching my skin. I also notice that when I wear Crocs (very lightweight, airy shoes), the red spots get a little better. Does LP respond to pressure in some way, or could this be a misdiagnosis and I actually have something like contact dermititis? (LP was dianosed by a dermatologist with a biopsy that was not conclusive, but did show inflammation) The pictures I have seen of LP look a lot like my own, but most cases solve themselves and should have run their course by now - I would just like to make sure I'm not neglecting to address an overriding issue while assuming it is LP which I cannot do anything about.

Also, I am confused about how/why LP came on when it did. (I am 30 now, 25 when it appeared) The only things out of the ordinary I was doing was taking SeaSilver (a proprietary supplement that contains some metals, including gold - but in very small quantities) and had the case of Athlete's foot (so severe that it also manifested on the palms of my hands). Could either of these things have been the cause? I have already been screened for HCV and am negative.

Thank you so much in advance for any advice you can provide.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How was the diagnosis made in your case? Have you seen a skin specialist? What treatment did the doctor prescribe?

Are you on any medications currently?

Currently there is no cure for lichen planus but there are certain types of medicines used to reduce the effects of the inflammation. Lichen planus may go into a dormant state after treatment. There are also reports that lichen planus can flare up years after it is considered cured.

Medicines used to treat lichen planus include:

    * Oral and topical steroids.
    * Oral retinoids
    * immunosuppressant medications
    * hydroxychloroquine
    * tacrolimus
    * dapsone

UVB NarrowBand Phototherapy

A biopsy is useful in identifying histological features that help differentiate lichen planus from similarly presenting conditions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen_planus

It would be best to consult your dermatologist for a confirmed diagnosis before you start any medications.

Till then you could use aloe vera cream over the lesions.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.