Lichenoid eruptions in children: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Lichenoid eruptions are a diverse group of inflammatory dermatoses, characterized clinically by flat-topped papules which resemble lichen planus (LP) and histologically by a lichenoid tissue reaction. There are many lichenoid dermatoses, of which some are seen predominantly in the pediatric age group. The knowledge of these lichenoid eruptions is essential for the dermatologists for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and also to predict their course. Aims: Our aim was to study the clinicoepidemiological features of lichenoid dermatoses in children and to differentiate between various lichenoid dermatoses and classify them accordingly. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, hospital-based, cross-sectional study of 52 children with a clinical diagnosis of lichenoid eruptions from January 2017 to December 2017. Results: Of the 986 children who visited the dermatology outpatient department 52 children (5.27%) were diagnosed with lichenoid dermatoses, with the male: female ratio being 1: 1.48 and a mean age of 7.25 years. LP was the most common lichenoid dermatosis reported in our study (48%), followed by lichen striatus (37.6%), lichen nitidus (5.8%), lichen sclerosus (5.8%), pityriasis lichenoides (3.2%), and Gianotti Crosti syndrome (1.9%). Limitations: It was a retrospective data analysis involving only 1 year of study with limited sample size, without study of long term evolution. Conclusions: Some lichenoid dermatoses (lichen straitus and lichen nitidus) are self-limiting and undergo spontaneous resolution without any sequelae, whereas LP and lichen sclerosus can be associated with varying degrees of morbidity. Proper diagnosis helps in allaying the fears of parents.