Introduction to our Video on Lichen Planus Myths
Lichen planus is surrounded by myths, and some of them can make an already complicated condition even more confusing (which, let’s be real, is the last thing we need). Is lichen planus “just a skin condition”? Is it contagious? If you have oral lichen planus, are you destined to develop vulvovaginal lichen planus? Are lichen planus and lichen sclerosus basically the same disease? And does a biopsy always give you a definitive answer?
In this episode, I’m joined by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erin Foster, who has a special interest in complex skin disorders and mucosal dermatology, to separate lichen planus myths from facts. We take common claims patients encounter online (and sometimes even in healthcare settings) and unpack what we actually know, what we don’t know, and where the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
*Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan.
What You Will Learn in This Video
-Why lichen planus is not simply a skin condition and can involve the mouth, genital tract, esophagus, eyes, hair/scalp, nails, and other mucosal sites. Because “lichen planus is just a skin condition” is definitely a myth!
-Whether lichen planus is contagious or can be passed between partners -Why having oral lichen planus does NOT automatically mean you will develop vulvovaginal lichen planus
-When swallowing difficulties in someone with oral LP may warrant further evaluation
-The differences—and sometimes surprising overlap—between lichen planus and lichen sclerosus
-Why symptoms and appearance alone don’t always neatly distinguish LS from LP -Whether a biopsy can definitively diagnose or rule out lichen planus
-Why the biopsy result needs to be interpreted alongside your symptoms, history, and clinical examination -Ways vulvar biopsies may be made more comfortable and less traumatic
-Why vulvar scarring, loss of architecture, clitoral hood changes, and narrowing of the vaginal opening should not simply be dismissed as “normal aging”
-Why recognizing changes in your own anatomy can be an important part of communicating with your healthcare team
Most importantly,
This conversation shows why lichen planus often requires us to look at the whole person, not just one symptom or one body site. Dr. Foster discusses how patients may have disease affecting different mucosal or skin sites and why coordinated, knowledgeable care matters. This is why busting some of these lichen planus myths is so important!
Watch the Video
Timestamps for Lichen Planus Myths Busted Video
0:00 – Introduction
3:18 – Myth #1 Lichen planu is just a skin condition
6:10 – #2 Lichen planus is contagious
6:50 – #3 If you have oral lichen planus, you are guaranteed to get genital lichen planus
9:20 – What healthcare provider to see if you are having issues swallowing/suspect esophageal lichen planus
11:40 – Lichen sclerosus and planus are the same condition (this one may surprise you)!
16:40 – A biopsy will give you a clear yes/no
25:00 – Anatomical changes are normal
33:30 – If no symptoms and looks good, LP is gone
38:10 – Topical corticosteroids will thin the skin
40:10 – If sex hurts, drink wine or have more sex
47:30 – Having lichen planus means you’ll get cancer
53:16 – There is no new LP research or treatment
56:21– Outro & closing
Important Links
Check out our Cutaneous Lichen Planus Hub here
Check out our Lichen Planus Overview here
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Conclusion to Lichen Planus Myths BUSTED
Lichen planus can be complicated, and sometimes the most accurate answer isn’t simply “true” or “false.” As Dr. Foster explains throughout this conversation, LP can look different depending on where it occurs, how it presents, and the individual patient.
That’s also why myths and oversimplified information can be harmful. Being told that LP is “just a skin condition,” that anatomical changes are simply part of getting older, or that one test will always provide a definitive answer can leave patients confused or feeling dismissed. In reality, diagnosis and management may require putting together multiple pieces of the puzzle: your symptoms, clinical examination, medical history, disease location and, when appropriate, pathology.
At LichenS Support Network, our goal is to make reliable, evidence-based information about lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, and related lichenoid conditions easier to understand and access—while making sure the patient experience remains part of the conversation.
If this video helped you better understand lichen planus, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may benefit from it. Every share helps us reach more patients and healthcare professionals with reliable education about these often misunderstood conditions.
This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional about questions or changes related to your own care.
