Dear Doctor: Is there a link between diabetes and planus?

DEAR DR. ROACH:

I read your recent article on lichen planus. I have suffered with this for two-and-a-half years. After doing a lot of research, I found that many people, like me, have diabetes. Nothing helped it, and the last treatment was too dangerous for me, although it did help me to lose 35 pounds and my sugar levels are now healthy. I understand that I can never get rid of lichen planus, and that it’s just in remission now. — N.T.

ANSWER:

Most studies show that people with diabetes are somewhat more likely to develop lichen planus (an itchy skin condition). About 1.5% of people with diabetes will develop lichen planus, while 0.75% of people without diabetes will.

Unfortunately, I could not confirm that either weight loss or better diabetes control improve the symptoms of lichen planus. Sometimes lichen planus becomes inactive on its own. However, there are many good reasons to keep diabetes under control, and I am publishing your letter with the hope that it helps someone else.

* * *

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to [email protected] or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 North America Syndicate Inc.