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Lichen Striatus
Lichen striatus is a self-resolving benign dermatosis that is most frequent in children, with a peak incidence between 3 and 10 years. The dermatosis primarily affects females and can occur in individuals of all races.
The etiology of lichen striatus is unknown. It has been hypothesized that the condition is caused by a post-zygotic somatic mutation resulting in skin mosaicism. Triggering factors such as viruses and trauma may induce a CD8+ autoimmune response mediated by T lymphocytes.
Signs and symptoms:
Clinically, lichen striatus presents as small, flat, pink papules. Scales may appear on the surface of the papules. The lesions are arranged in a linear fashion along Blaschko's lines and sometimes converge. The width of the individual bands can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, and the length can range from a few centimeters to involvement of an entire limb. Occasionally, multiple parallel bands are observed, with unilateral forms being more common than bilateral forms. The limbs and trunk are the most commonly affected areas, while the face is less frequently involved. In some cases, the nails may be affected, presenting with longitudinal streaks, fissures, and thinning of the nail plate. It is typical for only one part of the nail plate and one finger to be involved. Generally, the presence of typical skin lesions alongside onychopathy makes the diagnosis easier.
Lichen striatus is usually asymptomatic, although mild itching may be present in some cases.
The condition typically resolves spontaneously after months or years, leaving behind long-lasting hypochromic outcomes. Treatment with topical corticosteroids is recommended for lesions in the inflammatory phase.
The etiology of lichen striatus is unknown. It has been hypothesized that the condition is caused by a post-zygotic somatic mutation resulting in skin mosaicism. Triggering factors such as viruses and trauma may induce a CD8+ autoimmune response mediated by T lymphocytes.
Signs and symptoms:
Clinically, lichen striatus presents as small, flat, pink papules. Scales may appear on the surface of the papules. The lesions are arranged in a linear fashion along Blaschko's lines and sometimes converge. The width of the individual bands can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, and the length can range from a few centimeters to involvement of an entire limb. Occasionally, multiple parallel bands are observed, with unilateral forms being more common than bilateral forms. The limbs and trunk are the most commonly affected areas, while the face is less frequently involved. In some cases, the nails may be affected, presenting with longitudinal streaks, fissures, and thinning of the nail plate. It is typical for only one part of the nail plate and one finger to be involved. Generally, the presence of typical skin lesions alongside onychopathy makes the diagnosis easier.
Lichen striatus is usually asymptomatic, although mild itching may be present in some cases.
The condition typically resolves spontaneously after months or years, leaving behind long-lasting hypochromic outcomes. Treatment with topical corticosteroids is recommended for lesions in the inflammatory phase.
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