Lichen Planus – Lichen Nitidus

Lichen Nitidus is a skin disease that I encounter frequently in both my The Woodlands and Conroe dermatology offices.  Although Lichen Nitidus shares some features with Lichen Planus, it is unique both clinically and histologically.  Lichen Nitidus typically presents as small pinhead size dome shaped papules which are usually flesh colored and they have a predilection for the abdomen, inner thighs, flexor portions of the forearms and wrists, and the penis.  The Koebner’s Phenomenon may be noticed in which the papules are arranged linearly which occurs when the skin is scratched and this trauma induces the appearance of more lesions.  Some patients with Lichen Nitidus have nail pitting or ridging.  Most patients complain of only mild pruritus.  There is no known cause of Lichen Nitidus and the most effective treatment is topical steroids.