Linear lichen striatus- Response to topical tazarotene - A case series and review

Abstract

Introduction: Lichen striatus is an idiopathic self-limiting inflammatory linear dermatosis, mostly affecting children. There is a definite paucity of studies on the treatment options of lichen striatus in children from India.Routinely prescribed medications like topical steroids, emmolients and tacrolimus. But these cases treated uniquely with topical tazarotene. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the treatment with topical tazaroteneof lichen striatus in children. Materials and Methods: The present observational study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and KLE Hospital, Belgavi. All children up to 10 years presenting with lichen striatus in the Dermatology Outpatient Department Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and KLE Hospital, Belgavi of were taken as study participants. A detailed general, systemic, and cutaneous examination was done. Relevant investigations were carried out whenever necessary and topical tazarotene given for application. The pre–treatment and post treatment findings were recorded in a pro forma for analysis and interpretation of data. Results: The prevalence of lichen striatus in our outpatient pediatric population was 0.48%. male cases outnumbered females with a ratio of 4:2. The mean age of onset was found to be 3.7 years. Upper extremities and lower extremities were the most common sites involved. Conclusion: Long-term studies with increased number of cases will help in better understanding of this rare disease in children and its treatment with topical tazarotene.