Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
[Linear dermatosis]
L Thirion1, A F Nikkels, G E Piérard
1CHU Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgique.
Abstract:
Some typical distributions of skin lesions represent a helpful sign for the differential diagnosis in dermatology. Indeed, some dermatoses, affecting the skin, nails or mucosae, display an annular or linear disposition. The linear pattern can be explained by several factors. The dermatosis can follow either a nerve traject, vascular or lymphatic vessels, or embryological lines. Exogenous factors, including traumatisms or automutilations, can also contribute to this particular distribution. In this review, the principal linear dermatoses are discussed together with their pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Cells of the Epidermis
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
