The '6 Ps' mnemonic for clinical features of lichen planus includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Explanation

## The '6 Ps' of Lichen Planus **Mnemonic: The 6 Ps** — **P**urple, **P**lanar (flat-topped), **P**apules/**P**laques, **P**olygonal, **P**ruritic, **P**ostinflammatory hyperpigmentation ### Clinical Features Explained | Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | **Purple** | Violaceous or purple color (characteristic) | | **Planar/Flat-topped** | Lesions have a flat surface | | **Papules/Plaques** | Small papules (1–2 mm) or larger plaques | | **Polygonal** | Sharply demarcated, angular borders | | **Pruritic** | Often intensely itchy | | **Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation** | Common sequela after resolution | **High-Yield:** These six features collectively make lichen planus clinically distinctive and easy to recognize at the bedside. ### Why NOT Purulent? **Key Point:** Lichen planus is a **non-infectious, non-suppurative** inflammatory disorder. Purulent exudate (pus) is NOT a feature of uncomplicated lichen planus. If purulence is present, consider secondary bacterial infection (impetigo, folliculitis) superimposed on lichen planus. **Clinical Pearl:** The absence of pustules and exudate helps distinguish lichen planus from pustular psoriasis or infected dermatitis. [cite:Park 26e Ch 4]