Home About Us Contact Us

 

Table of Content - Volume 20 Issue 3 - December 2021


 

Lichen planus- through a dermoscope

 

Atul Giri1*, Somshukla Ray2, Chitra Nayak3

 

1,2,3Department of Dermatology, IInd Floor, OPD Building, TNMC and BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra-400008, INDIA.

Email: atulg100@gmail.com

 

Abstract              Background: Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory dermatosis of skin and mucous membranes1 that has a variety of clinical manifestations. Dermatoscope is being increasingly used in dermatologic practice to study different skin conditions. However, knowledge of dermoscopic appearance of lichen planus is limited. Aims: To study the dermoscopic features of Lichen planus and its evolution. Methods: Fifty patients of active (acute and subacute) lichen planus were enrolled in the study. Biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Dermatoscopy was performed on each lesion before biopsy. Results: Wickham Striae (WS) was the most prominent feature noted in the lesions. The different patterns recognized were: - arboriform, reticular, globular, linear and annular with thin or broad spiky/comb like projections at the border. Different patterns of vasculature and pigment deposits were also studied. Conclusion: Dermoscopy is an effective and essential tool for diagnosing Lichen planus. It improves the recognition of pathognomonic feature- the Wickham striae which is often difficult to discern with naked eye. It also helps assessment of the disease activity and thereby the need for aggressive management, if any.

Key Words: Lichen planus, Dermoscopy, Wickham’s striae.