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Living with Linear lichen planus

A rare form of lichen planus with itchy purple bumps in a line, most often on the arms and legs.

Understanding Linear lichen planus

Linear lichen planus (LLP) is a rare form of lichen planus that affects the skin and/or mouth.

People develop itchy, purple, flat-topped bumps (papules) in a line along the lines of Blaschko. The bumps can be anywhere on the body but most often affect the arms and legs. It can occur at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition. Its summary describes these features:

  • Itchy bumps
  • Purple, flat-topped papules
  • Bumps in a line
  • Bumps mostly on the arms and legs

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Autoimmune Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
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 Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
  • 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should I be tested for conditions linked to lichen planus?
What can ease the itching?
Which dermatology specialist should follow my care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

The exact cause is unknown. It has been associated with metastatic cancer, HIV infection, and hepatitis C infection.

Skin

Also known as: blaschkoid lichen planus; blaschkoid lp; lichen planus linearis; linear lp

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Linear lichen planusGARD ID 11898 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Linear lichen planus.

Explore the Linear lichen planus blog

Explore research for Linear lichen planus

Explore actively recruiting Linear lichen planus studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Linear lichen planus 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

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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