Publication:

Clinico epidemiological study of lichen nitidus in a tertiary care centre in South India

Background Lichen nitidus is an uncommon chronic cutaneous eruption that exhibits a distinct morphology and histopathological features. Hepatitis B vaccination, UV radiation in actinic type, and genetic factors in familial lichen nitidus. It was also considered as a variant of lichen planus. The aim of the study was to assess the clinico epidemiological features of lichen nitidus and its clinical associations.

Methods A total of 30 patients presented with the features of lichen nitidus were selected for the study. The analysis of cases was done by recording a detailed history and a thorough clinical examination. History regarding the etiological factors like tuberculosis, drug intake, photosensitivity, recent vaccination and family history were noted.

Results In this study most of the patients were asymptomatic (70%). Only 30% were symptomatic among which 23% presented with mild itching and only 7% with moderate to severe itching. In our study, the most frequent sites of involvement observed were the upper limb in 25 cases (83%), followed by trunk in 17 cases (57%), lower limb in 15 cases (50%) and only 2 patients (7%) with facial involvement.

Conclusions The present study shows that lichen nitidus is common in young adults and children with the male predominance. Most of the cases were asymptomatic. Although no definite etiological factors could be made out in most cases, few patients showed the risk factors like photosensitivity and family history.