[Lichen amyloidosis with extensive skin lesions]

Lichen amyloidosus is a chronic pruritic skin disorder, unusual among Europeans, and classically seen over the shins. The exact nature of the amyloid fibril protein, in lichen amyloidosus, is a matter of controversy and no specific treatment is available. Diffuse cutaneous involvement in a 60-year-old portuguese man is described. New pathogenic aspects and recent therapeutic approaches are discussed.