Lichen Planus vs Eczema

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Lichen Planus
Eczema
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Purplish, flat-topped, itchy bumps - the five Ps: Pruritic, Purple, Polygonal, Planar, Papules.
Red, itchy, inflamed skin - the most common chronic skin condition in children. Part of the atopic triad with asthma and hay fever.
Risk factors
Middle age (most common ages 30-60); Hepatitis C infection (associated); Certain medications
Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever; Filaggrin gene mutations (skin barrier dysfunction); Living in dry or cold climates
Action needed
Itchy purple bumps, especially on wrists or ankles
Eczema not controlled with regular moisturizing and over-the-counter hydrocortisone

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that causes distinctive purplish, flat-topped, polygonal (angular) papules that are characteristically itchy. The classic presentation is remembered by the five Ps: Pruritic (itchy), Purple, Polygonal, Planar (flat-topped), Papules.

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Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, itchy, dry, and sometimes weeping or crusting patches. It is the most common chronic skin disease in children, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.

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Does yours look more like lichen planus?

Quick self-check

Does this look like lichen planus? Answer 2 questions.

Are the bumps purple, flat-topped, and angular (polygonal) in shape?

Are they on the wrists, ankles, or inside the mouth?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →