Lichen nitidus: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Photography_of_lichen_nitidus.jpg|thumb| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Lichen nitidus | |||
| image = [[File:Photography_of_lichen_nitidus.jpg|left|thumb|Lichen nitidus on the skin]] | |||
| caption = Lichen nitidus on the skin | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = Small, shiny, skin-colored papules | |||
| complications = | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = Unknown | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[skin biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Lichen planus]], [[molluscum contagiosum]], [[sarcoidosis]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[antihistamines]], [[phototherapy]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Generally good, often resolves spontaneously | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Lichen nitidus''' is a rare, chronic skin condition characterized by the presence of tiny, flesh-colored or slightly pink, shiny papules. These papules are typically uniform in size and shape, and they often appear in clusters. The condition is generally benign and asymptomatic, although it can sometimes cause mild itching. | |||
==Presentation== | ==Presentation== | ||
Lichen nitidus commonly presents as small, discrete, shiny papules that are usually 1-2 mm in diameter. These papules can appear anywhere on the body but are most frequently found on the [[trunk]], [[upper extremities]], [[genitalia]], and [[flexor surfaces]] of the arms and legs. The papules are often described as "pinpoint" and may be slightly raised. | Lichen nitidus commonly presents as small, discrete, shiny papules that are usually 1-2 mm in diameter. These papules can appear anywhere on the body but are most frequently found on the [[trunk]], [[upper extremities]], [[genitalia]], and [[flexor surfaces]] of the arms and legs. The papules are often described as "pinpoint" and may be slightly raised. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The exact cause of lichen nitidus is unknown. It is believed to be an inflammatory condition, possibly related to an abnormal immune response. Histologically, lichen nitidus is characterized by a dense, band-like infiltrate of [[lymphocytes]] and [[histiocytes]] in the upper dermis, often surrounding and obscuring the [[dermal papillae]]. | The exact cause of lichen nitidus is unknown. It is believed to be an inflammatory condition, possibly related to an abnormal immune response. Histologically, lichen nitidus is characterized by a dense, band-like infiltrate of [[lymphocytes]] and [[histiocytes]] in the upper dermis, often surrounding and obscuring the [[dermal papillae]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of lichen nitidus is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the papules. A [[skin biopsy]] can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, revealing the typical histopathological features. Differential diagnoses include [[lichen planus]], [[molluscum contagiosum]], and [[flat warts]]. | The diagnosis of lichen nitidus is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the papules. A [[skin biopsy]] can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, revealing the typical histopathological features. Differential diagnoses include [[lichen planus]], [[molluscum contagiosum]], and [[flat warts]]. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Lichen nitidus is generally self-limiting and may resolve spontaneously without treatment. In cases where treatment is desired, options include topical [[corticosteroids]], [[calcineurin inhibitors]], and [[phototherapy]]. Systemic treatments are rarely needed. | Lichen nitidus is generally self-limiting and may resolve spontaneously without treatment. In cases where treatment is desired, options include topical [[corticosteroids]], [[calcineurin inhibitors]], and [[phototherapy]]. Systemic treatments are rarely needed. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for lichen nitidus is generally good. The condition is benign and does not lead to serious complications. In many cases, the papules may resolve on their own over time, although they can persist for several years in some individuals. | The prognosis for lichen nitidus is generally good. The condition is benign and does not lead to serious complications. In many cases, the papules may resolve on their own over time, although they can persist for several years in some individuals. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Lichen nitidus can affect individuals of any age, but it is most commonly seen in children and young adults. There is no known gender or racial predilection. | Lichen nitidus can affect individuals of any age, but it is most commonly seen in children and young adults. There is no known gender or racial predilection. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Lichen planus]] | * [[Lichen planus]] | ||
* [[Dermatology]] | * [[Dermatology]] | ||
* [[Skin conditions]] | * [[Skin conditions]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Lichen nitidus}} | {{Commons category|Lichen nitidus}} | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Rare diseases]] | [[Category:Rare diseases]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 01:30, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Lichen nitidus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Small, shiny, skin-colored papules |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, skin biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Lichen planus, molluscum contagiosum, sarcoidosis |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, phototherapy |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good, often resolves spontaneously |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Lichen nitidus is a rare, chronic skin condition characterized by the presence of tiny, flesh-colored or slightly pink, shiny papules. These papules are typically uniform in size and shape, and they often appear in clusters. The condition is generally benign and asymptomatic, although it can sometimes cause mild itching.
Presentation[edit]
Lichen nitidus commonly presents as small, discrete, shiny papules that are usually 1-2 mm in diameter. These papules can appear anywhere on the body but are most frequently found on the trunk, upper extremities, genitalia, and flexor surfaces of the arms and legs. The papules are often described as "pinpoint" and may be slightly raised.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The exact cause of lichen nitidus is unknown. It is believed to be an inflammatory condition, possibly related to an abnormal immune response. Histologically, lichen nitidus is characterized by a dense, band-like infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes in the upper dermis, often surrounding and obscuring the dermal papillae.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of lichen nitidus is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the papules. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, revealing the typical histopathological features. Differential diagnoses include lichen planus, molluscum contagiosum, and flat warts.
Treatment[edit]
Lichen nitidus is generally self-limiting and may resolve spontaneously without treatment. In cases where treatment is desired, options include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy. Systemic treatments are rarely needed.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for lichen nitidus is generally good. The condition is benign and does not lead to serious complications. In many cases, the papules may resolve on their own over time, although they can persist for several years in some individuals.
Epidemiology[edit]
Lichen nitidus can affect individuals of any age, but it is most commonly seen in children and young adults. There is no known gender or racial predilection.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External links[edit]
