I have casually logged into my mind what kinds of trauma to the skin turn into lichen planus lesions and which do not.  For starters, it seems that trauma from items which have antigenic properties (eg cat scratch, dog toenail scrapes, rubbing from a dog leash over the wrists) become real lichen planus lesions, where as more sterile injuries, bumps, pin pricks (as in sewing) dont have the same tendencies.  Another mystery is why “on me anyway” spider bites (1/2 inch red area with swelling and a central darker dot) don’t turn into lichen planus lesions.

I had a biopsy of a 30 or 40 year old lesion on my leg that was left over from small pox vaccination (which at that point in time was a conventional remedy for apthous ulcers, since it was believed there was some cross immunity achieved — that is not done any more, but because other herpes type viruses  can show post-infection increase in lichen planus i will be curious to see if that pathology matches others taken in my case.

Also noted, the impact of chemicals as instigators of lesions at points of trauma seems to be prevalent, eg, bandage adhesives.

While this disease requires the utmost of patience, and heroic efforts are required to keep from scratching, maybe there is healing somewhere for some people and at some point treatments will be found…. likely like one will have to say… I am a “recovering” lichen planus patient, as i don’t think the basic predispositions may be only genetic (as writen in genetic code or epigenetic modifications)  ha ha.  or not so ha ha but has an environmental (environment in the greatest sense that includes, chemicals, irritant compounds, man made compounds, diet, stress and the whole nine yards).  My sympathies to all you out there with this disorder. What is clear that diseases processes and problems that don’t threaten “life” get sent to the back burner in terms of research.