Lichen Planus Like Keratosis

Lichen Planus Like Keratosis

I. Definition:

A lichen planus like keratosis is a precancerous skin growth caused by sun damage. Lichen planus like keratoses are difficult to see, they feel rough and are sometimes scaly. Lichen planus like keratoses are not skin cancer, but if left untreated can turn into skin cancer.

II. Causes:

Repeated, prolonged sun exposure causes skin damage which may develop into a lichen planus like keratosis.
The sun damage responsible for a lichen planus like keratosis usually occurred years before the lesion forms.

III. Treatment:

Lichen planus like keratoses can be removed by surgery or by freezing with liquid nitrogen. Sometimes we are not sure whether the growth is a lichen planus like keratosis or an early cancer. When there is doubt, we like to cut the growth off and send it for microscopic analysis (biopsy). Healing after removal usually takes one to two weeks and leaves a flat white scar.

IV. Prevention:

The above treatments do not prevent new lichen planus like keratoses from forming. Daily sunscreen use (SPF 15 or higher) will help some, but most of the damage causing these growths occurred many years ago.

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