Is Lichen planus associated with systemic diseases?

LP has been associated with numerous disorders, but such relationships often engender controversy. Associated conditions include viral hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, internal malignancy, and autoimmune or connective tissue disease. The relationship to infection with hepatitis C (HCV) is controversial. The latest metaanalysis concluded that the association exists in some regions (East/Southeast Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Europe) but not in others (North America, South Asia, and Africa). At present, it is recommended that patients with LP be queried about major risks factors (IV drug use or sex with IV drug users) or minor risk factors (history of blood transfusion, male sex, and age 30 to 49 years) and that those with significant risk be screened for HCV antibodies.

Bigby, M: The relationship between lichen planus and hepatitis C clarified, Arch Dermatol 145:1048–1050, 2009.