Lichen Planus is not a dangerous or fatal disease. Though, ill understood, it has a tendency to be self-limiting. However, its length of time is usually very long, running into years and it varies from patient to patient. At the same time, it has a peculiar tendency to relapse after some years, may be two, three, or more.

One of the theories is that Lichen Planus is pre-cancerous condition. However, it is not yet medically supported by scientific studies. Some of the rare complications of Lichen Planus include Alopecia, Due to eruptions on the scalp, dryness of the skin due to the blockage of the sweat ducts.

Lichen Planus is more often a medico social disorder, especially when it shows up on the visible part of the body, such as on the face.
(It is uncommon for Lichen Planus to appear on the face.)

If Lichen Planus remains untreated, it may simply stay as it for a long time or may spread to different areas of body. If it is treated using cortisone, it again, tends to spread to other parts of the body.

If Lichen Planus is treated conventionally using cortisone (or Dapsone), there are three possible outcomes:

a. Temporary recovery

b. Relapse of Lichen Planus on stopping cortisone

c. Spread of Lichen Planus on other areas, even while on being on cortisone (Say, from skin to mouth or genitals)

d. Adverse effects of cortisone

e. Relapse of Lichen Planus after some weeks or months after stopping cortisone, which will be even more resistant (more difficult to treat)

f. Complete remission (less likely)

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