Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Clinical, Epidemiological, and Dermoscopic Features of Different Clinical Variants of Cutaneous Lichen Planus in the
Ashna Malhotra1, Arvind Krishna1, Robin Chugh1
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, IND.
Introduction:
Lichen planus (LP) is a distinct clinical entity that commonly affects the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Multiple clinical variants of LP with varying morphologies have been documented. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, epidemiological, and dermoscopic features of different variants of cutaneous LP in the Indian population.
Methods:
This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from January 2021 to August 2022. A total of 50 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous LP were included. Demographic details, including age, disease duration, symptoms, and family history, were recorded.
Results:
Among the 50 patients, 30 (60%) were female and 20 (40%) male, with an age range of 8-65 years (mean age: 37 ± 14 years). Classical LP was the most common variant observed (26 cases, 52%), followed by lichen planus hypertrophicus (LPH) in eight cases (16%) and eruptive LP in six cases (12%). Wickham's striae (WS) was the most common dermoscopic finding in classical LP (observed in 23 cases, 88.5%), but was absent in LPH, actinic LP, and lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP). The most frequent pigmentation patterns in classical LP were diffuse dots and diffuse globules, seen in three cases (11.5%). Pigmentation patterns were more variable in LPH and actinic LP. The background color was pink in classical and eruptive LP, and brownish in LPH, actinic LP, and LPP. It showed mixed shades in annular atrophic LP. No significant differences in demographic parameters were noted among the different variants.
Conclusion:
WS was the most consistent dermoscopic feature in cases of classical cutaneous LP and can assist physicians in diagnosis. Detailed dermoscopic evaluation, combined with a comprehensive clinical history, is essential for diagnosing classical and atypical LP variants and differentiating them from clinically similar conditions. This approach offers important clues regarding the underlying histopathology.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
01:11Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...