Lichen planus of the skin
If you have lichen planus of the skin, your GP will examine the affected area and may be able to make a diagnosis based on the characteristic rash.
However, sometimes lichen planus can be mistaken for other skin conditions such as eczema, a long-term (chronic) skin condition where the skin is red, flaky, itchy and cracked.
If your GP is unable to make a confident diagnosis by examining your skin, they may want to take a small sample (a biopsy) of skin to examine under a microscope to help confirm a diagnosis.
If a skin biopsy is required, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the affected area so you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Lichen planus of the mouth (oral lichen planus)
Oral lichen planus can be diagnosed by a dentist or a doctor. The condition is usually diagnosed by the dentist or doctor looking at the inside of your mouth.
As with lichen planus of the skin, to confirm the diagnosis, the dentist or doctor may decide to perform a biopsy by removing a sample of mouth tissue to examine under a microscope. If this is required, you will be given a local anaesthetic.
