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Childhood lichen planus with palmoplantar involvement
Mihn Sook Jue1, Jung Woo Lee, Joo Yeon Ko
1Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Annals of Dermatology
|June 16, 2010
Summary
This study reports a rare case of childhood lichen planus (LP) affecting the palms and soles. Histopathology confirmed typical LP features, highlighting this unusual presentation in a pediatric patient.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Lichen planus (LP) typically affects adults (30-60 years) and commonly involves flexural wrists, legs, and oral/genital mucosa.
- Childhood LP accounts for only 1-4% of cases, with palmoplantar involvement being exceptionally rare in this age group.
- Previous literature documents few pediatric cases of LP with palmoplantar lesions.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with a 6-month history of generalized, pruritic, violaceous, polygonal papules and plaques.
- The patient exhibited lesions on various body sites, including the palms and soles.
- Skin biopsies were obtained from the dorsum of the hand and foot, sole, and chest.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of all four biopsy sites revealed typical features of lichen planus.
- The clinical presentation and biopsy results led to a diagnosis of generalized lichen planus with palmoplantar involvement.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare clinical presentations of lichen planus in children.
- It underscores the importance of considering LP in pediatric patients with palmoplantar lesions, even when rare.
- Highlights the diagnostic value of histopathology in confirming lichen planus in atypical locations.
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