ORAL and Vaginal Lichen Planus

After 2 months of leisions, inflammations and pain and Biopsy I have been diagnosed with Lichen planus. Originaly it was only in the gums, insdie the cheeks and under toungue. Now I have itchy bumps on my belly button and severely itchy rashes on the outer part of the (lip) vagina. The rashes are round and pale in color and they are very very itchy. I am being seen by a Oral specialist who is trying to find the trigger for the oral condition. I am not on any treatment right now other than avoiding peppermint, cinnamon in food and tooth paste+mouth wash. Should I see a dermatologist for my vaginal itching seperately or wait for the oral condition to be treated. The oral doctor said I do not have to take systemic steriod. In that case will a local medicine in the mouth also help relieve plichen planus in my vaginal area. Please help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There is no known cure for lichen planus an dthe treatment is directed at relieving the itching. The two most common treatments include the use of topical corticosteroid creams, anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines. My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.