Lichen Planus – Lichen Striatus

Lichen Striatus is a condition similar to Lichen Planus that I encounter in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Lichen Striatus is most common in young children and begins as a narrow band of lichenoid red slightly scaly papules that progress linearly along Blaschko’s Lines.  Most commonly Lichen Striatus occurs on the arms or legs but it can involve the trunk.  Nail dystrophy can occur when the Lichen Striatus band enounters the nails.  Lichen Striatus is typically asymptomatic but some patients complain of pruritus.  In most patients, Lichen Striatus can last for over a year but ultimately resolves spontaneously with no residual scarring or nail deformities.  Histologically, Lichen Striatus is differentiated from Lichen Planus as the lichenoid inflammation also involves the eccrine (sweat) glands in Lichen Striatus.  Treatment involves topical steroids which may hasten the resolution of Lichen Striatus.