Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
05:39
Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Linear lichen planus
Priya Batra1, Nadia Wang, Hideko Kamino
1Department of Dermatology, New York University, USA.
Dermatology Online Journal
|December 9, 2008
Summary
Linear lichen planus (LP) is a rare skin condition presenting in lines along Blaschko lines. It arises from a postzygotic mutation causing genetic changes in skin cells, leading to distinct histopathological findings.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Linear lichen planus (LP) is an uncommon variant of lichen planus, representing less than 0.2% of cases.
- Its characteristic linear or segmental distribution follows Blaschko lines, suggesting a genetic basis.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male presented with itchy, hyperpigmented papules and plaques on his right lower extremity in a linear pattern.
- Skin biopsy confirmed findings consistent with lichen planus.
Findings:
- Histopathology of linear LP mirrors classic LP, showing hyperkeratosis, sawtooth acanthosis, basal cell vacuolar degeneration, and a dense band-like lymphocytic infiltrate.
- Segmental formation is hypothesized to result from postzygotic mutations leading to loss of heterozygosity in keratinocytes.
Implications:
- Accurate clinical and histopathological differentiation of linear LP from other linear dermatoses like lichen striatus and inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus is crucial for appropriate management.
- Understanding the genetic mechanisms, such as somatic mutations, provides insight into the pathogenesis of LP variants.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Linear time-invariant Systems
A system is linear if it displays the characteristics of homogeneity and additivity, together termed the superposition property. This principle is fundamental in all linear systems. Linear time-invariant (LTI) systems include systems with linear elements and constant parameters.
The input-output behavior of an LTI system can be fully defined by its response to an impulsive excitation at its input. Once this impulse response is known, the system's reaction to any other input can be calculated...
The input-output behavior of an LTI system can be fully defined by its response to an impulsive excitation at its input. Once this impulse response is known, the system's reaction to any other input can be calculated...
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:30Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...