Lichen aureus in childhood

Lichen aureus is a rare asymptomatic dermatosis of unknown origin that is now classified in the group of pigmented purpuric dermatoses. The eruption consists of asymptomatic, roundish or irregular, lichenoid erythematous-purpuric papules with a tendency to coalesce in patches, most prevalent on the limbs. No meaningful laboratory abnormalities have been found. Histologically, the epidermis is normal, with a lymphohistiocytic, bandlike infiltrate with extravasated blood red cells and hemosiderin deposits observed in the dermis. During the last 20 years we have followed eight new patients, which represent 0.05% of our hospitalized patients. In five of eight patients the disease resolved in two to four years. No therapy has been carried out on these children, since lichen aureus has a tendency for slow, spontaneous improvement and resolution.