Living with Lichen planus pigmentosus
A rare form of lichen planus that causes brown to gray-brown patches on the skin, often in sun-exposed areas.
Understanding Lichen planus pigmentosus
The patches are oval or irregular. They most often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the forehead, temples, and neck. They may also appear on the trunk or in skin folds like the armpit and groin. It usually begins in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition. Its summary describes these features:
- Brown to gray-brown skin patches
- Oval or irregularly shaped patches
- Patches on the forehead, temples, and neck
- Patches in skin folds
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Children's Skin Disease Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The cause is unknown. Studies suggest UV light, viral infections, or products put on the skin, such as mustard oil and amla oil, may trigger it.
Also known as: lichen planus pigmentosa; lichen planus pigmentosus inversus; lp pigmentosa; lp pigmentosus; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in lichen planus
Patient organizations
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Lichen planus pigmentosus.
Explore research for Lichen planus pigmentosus
Explore actively recruiting Lichen planus pigmentosus studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Lichen planus pigmentosus with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Lichen planus pigmentosus studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Lichen planus pigmentosus
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Lichen planus pigmentosus experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.