Korean J Gastroenterol.  2001 Apr;37(4):287-290.

A Case of Lichen Planus during Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C

• Kim SM
• Chae DK
• Park KD
• Ha JS
• Park ET
• Lee YJ
• Lee SH
• Seol SY
• Chung JM

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause with variable clinical presentations on skin and mucosa. LP is frequently observed in patient with hepatitis C virus infection and can occur or exacerbate during interferon treatment. We report a case of LP which developed and was aggravated during interferon treatment on chronic hepatitis C. The patient was a 44-year-old man who was diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C on liver biopsy. We started interferon alpha treatment in a dose of 3 million units subcutaneously 3 times weekly. Five months later of interferon treatment, erythematous erosive skin lesion on lower lip was found and it was aggravated progressively. Skin biopsy showed LP. The condition of the patient was improved with local treatment after discontinuation of interferon injection.

Keyword

Chronic hepatitis C; Alpha interferon; Lichen planus

MeSH Terms

Adult
Biopsy
Hepacivirus
Hepatitis C, Chronic*
Hepatitis, Chronic*
Humans
Interferon-alpha
Interferons*
Lichen Planus*
Lichens*
Lip
Liver
Mucous Membrane
Skin
Interferon-alpha
Interferons