A review of relation between the lichen planus and hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important factor in the development of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. The natural history of HCV infection is difficult to assess because of the usually silent onset of the acute phase and the few symptoms seen during the early stages of chronic infection. Acute infection leads to chronic infection in the majority of persons (up 80%). In recent years it is known that HCV induces various extrahepatic manifestations including the oral lichen planus. Also oral lichen planus has been associated with liver disease, particularly HCV infection. The purpose of this study is to review the literature to determine the relation between the oral lichen planus and hepatitis C virus at different countries. Such that, the probable relation between these two diseases is distinguished and consequently, a better treatment for curing will be presented. The most investigations done at different countries show that the prevalence of HCV infection in patients with lichen planus is greater than in the control series. Therefore, it is appropriate to screen all patients with lichen planus for HCV infection and liver function tests.