Letter:Annular atrophic lichen planus of the lip

Annular atrophic lichen planus is a rare form of lichen planus, clinically characterized by a circumscribed annular configuration. We report herein a 32-year-old female who developed depressed plaques on the lips. Physical examination showed well-circumscribed, erythematous plaques on the lower lip. The border was slightly elevated and the inner portion was depressed and atrophic. Also, a bean-sized well-circumscribed plaque with slightly elevated border was found on the upper lip. A biopsy specimen revealed that the epithelium of the mucous membrane was reduced in thickness and a mononuclear cell infiltration invaded the basement membrane of the epithelium. This is the first case of annular atrophic lichen planus involving the lip. She was treated with 0.1 percent tacrolimus ointment once daily, which resulted in a beneficial effect.