[Childhood actinic lichen planus (6 cases)]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is a chronic, benign skin condition prevalent in young individuals from the Middle East and Maghreb.
• Understanding its presentation in children is essential due to its chronic nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical characteristics of Actinic lichen planus in pediatric patients.
• To evaluate the prognosis and treatment outcomes of ALP in children.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted.
• Data from pediatric cases observed over an 11-year period (1995-2005) at Sfax hospital's dermatology department were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The study included 6 children (5 boys, 1 girl) with a mean age of 11 years at diagnosis.
• The annular form was most common (5 cases), often affecting the face, and frequently associated with cheilitis.
• Treatment involved photoprotection, antimalarial drugs, and topical steroids, with a generally favorable outcome.

Conclusions:

• Actinic lichen planus occurs in childhood, with ultraviolet radiation implicated in its pathogenesis.
• The annular presentation is predominant in pediatric cases.
• Effective management relies on sun protection, supplemented by antimalarials or topical corticosteroids.