WASHINGTON (April 25, 2025) – A study from George Washington University highlights inconsistencies among U.S. dermatologists on how they screen and treat lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
Lichen planus is a condition that affects the skin, mouth, nails and/or scalp. It appears as itchy purple or reddish bumps on the skin. While the exact cause is unknown, it can be triggered by factors like certain medications and stress, and can be associated with health conditions like Hepatitis C and autoimmune thyroid disease. There are currently no FDA approved treatments for lichen planus, and therefore treatment approaches and successes vary, ranging from topical steroids to medications that suppress the immune system.
Researchers surveyed over 400 dermatologists to better understand how lichen planus is managed in real-world practice.
Key Findings:
- Screening for Chronic Conditions are Inconsistent. Doctors often checked for hepatitis C, even though it’s rare in lichen planus, while more common issues like high blood pressure, depression and anxiety were frequently missed.
- Treatment: Most doctors used topical steroids for treatment, while far fewer used stronger treatments or light therapy, even though they are backed by evidence.
- Knowledge Gaps: Many dermatologists were unaware that FDA-approved therapies currently do not exist for lichen planus.
“These findings underscore the absence of standardized, evidence-based guidelines for lichen planus care,” said Adam Friedman, professor and chair of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “Practitioners are often left to rely on training background and personal experience, leading to wide variations in care and, ultimately, potential disparities in patient outcomes.”
The study, “Lichen Planus: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of US Dermatologists’ Comorbidity Screening and Management Patterns” was published in Dermatology and Therapy.
If you would like to schedule an interview with one of the researchers, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, [email protected].
-GW-