Lichen nitidus

Skin-nontumor / Clinical dermatology
Other dermatoses
Lichen nitidus

Author: Mowafak Hamodat, M.D., MB.CH.B, MSc., FRCPC (see Authors page)

Revised: 1 July 2016, last major update August 2011

Copyright: (c) 2002-2016, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.

PubMed Search: Lichen nitidus

Table of Contents

Definition / General | Clinical Images | Micro Description | Differential Diagnosis | Additional References

Definition / General

Children with asymptomatic, pinpoint, round, flesh-colored papules on trunk, genitalia, abdomen and forearms
May co-exist with lichen planus

Clinical Images

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Tiny papules

Micro Description

Epidermis has parakeratosis and atrophy; clawlike pattern of curvilinear, fingerlike extensions and surrounding papillary dermal lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltrate
Occasionally multinicleate giant cells and parakeratosis; variable dyskeratotic keratinocytes at dermoepidermal junction; minimal lichenoid change

Differential Diagnosis

Lichen planus: has orthohyperkeratosis and acanthosis with sawtooth pattern; positive direct immunofluorescence

Additional References

eMedicine