Ulcerative lichen planus associated with Sjögren's syndrome

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Ulcerative lichen planus (ULP) is a rare, severe variant of lichen planus.
• ULP typically presents with ulcerations on the feet and toes, often leading to nail loss.
• Associations between ULP and various autoimmune diseases have been noted in medical literature.

Observation:

• The case involves a patient presenting with ULP, characterized by ulcerative erythema on soles and palms.
• The patient also exhibited nail dystrophy and oral lesions, indicative of widespread mucosal involvement.
• Co-existing Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed in the patient with ULP.

Findings:

• Successful treatment of ulcerative lichen planus and associated Sjögren's syndrome was achieved with etretinate.
• This case underscores the potential link between ULP and autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.
• Etretinate demonstrated efficacy in managing the complex presentation of ULP with autoimmune comorbidity.

Implications:

• Recognizing the association between ULP and autoimmune diseases is crucial for comprehensive patient management.
• The successful use of etretinate suggests its potential as a therapeutic option for severe ULP.
• Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of ULP in the context of autoimmune disorders is warranted.