Lichen Planus – Lichen Planus Actinicus

Lichen Planus Actinicus is a skin condition most commonly encountered in The Middle East, Africa and India and I only occasionally encounter it in my The Woodlands and Conroe dermatology offices.  Lichen Planus Actinicus is most often seen in children and young adults and is induced by the sun so it is most often seen on the face.  Patients with Lichen Planus Actinicus experience the rash during the spring and summer as it usually goes into remission during the winter.  Clinically, Lichen Planus Actinicus appears as annular hyperpigmented patches/plaques that are usually not pruritic.  The lesions of Lichen Planus Actinicus may appear so hyperpigmented that the rash resembles melasma.