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What
is
lichen nitidus?
Lichen nitidus is a rare skin disease and is mainly seen in children
and young adults. It is characterized by small papules, ranging in size
from pin-point to pin-head-sized. Lichen nitidus is mostly asymptomatic
or may be somewhat itchy. The disease is benign and self-limiting.
Symptoms
of
lichen nitidus
Lichen
nitidus papules are very small and have a flat or somewhat dome-shaped
surface.
Although they may be closely grouped the papules usually remain
discrete. They
are mostly found on the arms, the abdomen, chest, buttocks and penis
but they
may arise in any part of the skin. The colour may range from whitish to
pink or
flesh-coloured. Also nail changes (pitting of the nail plate) may occur.
What
is the cause?
The cause of lichen nitidus is unknown.
Treatment
As the
disease is self-limiting and often asymptomatic, treatment is not often
required. Mild topical steroid creams can be of help in case of
itching. PUVA
treatment has been described to be efficacious in generalized forms of
lichen
nitidus. |