Are there different variants of lichen planus that affect the vulva?

Yes. Variants that affect the vulva include erosive lichen planus, papulosquamous lichen planus, and hypertrophic lichen planus. The most common variant found in the vulva is erosive lichen planus. This variant is characterized by erosions on a background of violaceous papules and plaques. The skin of the vulva may also appear shiny, reticulated and white. Rarely, oral-vulval-vaginal lichen planus may also be seen. Of the approximate 1% of the population with oral lichen planus, 25% have vulvovaginal disease.

ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 93: Diagnosis and management of vulvar skin disorders, Obstet Gynecol 93:1243–1253, 2008.