[A retrospective study of 200 cases of lichen]

In this study the data on 200 patients affected by various features of lichen planus (LP) are reported. All subjects were in-patients of the Department of Dermatology, Bari, from 1973 to 1988. In 87% of cases the disease appeared as lichen tuber planus, and in 9% there was involvement of mucous membranes. Equal involvement of sex incidence has been found, and the patients were middle-aged (mean, 47 years). The lesion were not subsided in about 10% of cases. Associated fortuitous skin conditions were mainly alopecia areata and vitiligo. In addition, LP has been observed in association with diabetes (8%) and hepatic diseases (10%). These last values could appear relevant, but in our region, Apulia, both diabetes and hepatitis, and especially B-hepatitis, are very frequent diseases. Our clinical follow-up did not allow to consider LP as a symptom of other subsequent organic diseases.