Lichenoid eruption following hepatitis B vaccination: first North American case report

Lichen planus is often found in association with a variety of underlying conditions. In particular, liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B have been implicated in cutaneous lichen planus. Of interest, there is mounting evidence that lichen planus-like eruptions can occur following administration of the hepatitis B vaccine, which has recently become a routine immunization in many parts of the world. We present what we believe to be the first North American case of lichenoid drug eruption associated with the hepatitis B vaccine and provide a brief review of other reported cases of lichenoid eruption seen following hepatitis B vaccination.