Childhood lichen planus with nail involvement: a case
Pinar Oztaş1, Meltem Onder, Nilsel Ilter
1Department of Dermatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|December 31, 2003
Summary
Childhood lichen planus is rare, affecting children in only 2-3% of cases. This study details a nine-year-old girl
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Rare Diseases
Background:
- Childhood lichen planus is an uncommon dermatosis.
- It typically presents with characteristic papules on the wrists and legs, and may affect mucous membranes.
- Pediatric cases account for only 2-3% of all lichen planus diagnoses.
Observation:
- A nine-year-old female presented with a widespread lichen planus (LP) presentation.
- The patient exhibited nail involvement but no oral or genital mucosal lesions.
- The condition was managed with systemic flucortolone (Ultralan) at an initial dose of 20 mg/day.
Findings:
- The nine-year-old girl experienced regression of widespread lichen planus following treatment.
- Nail involvement in childhood lichen planus was noted.
- Absence of mucosal lesions was a key observation in this pediatric case.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering lichen planus in pediatric patients with unusual presentations.
- Systemic corticosteroid therapy, such as flucortolone, can be effective in managing severe childhood lichen planus.
- Further research into pediatric lichen planus is warranted to understand its unique characteristics and treatment responses.
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