Lichen Planus Affecting the Lips

Abstract

Lichen planus frequently compromises the skin, and the oral mucosa. There is plenty of medical and dental literature about the cutaneous and mucosal lesions of lichen planus, but, comparatively very little has been written specifically about lichen planus compromising the lip vermilion. This structure has a peculiar anatomical and histological architecture, and lichen planus lesions at this site may have some distinct features. This article reviews the recent literature about labial lichen planus in all of its presentations, highlighting some special clinical features that may enable a better diagnosis and differential diagnosis of lip diseases. Besides, personal experience by the authors is added.