Cosmetic Procedures for Treating Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: A Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Procedures
• Pigmentary Disorders

Background:

• Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) is a rare pigmentary disorder predominantly affecting individuals with skin of color.
• Comprehensive evaluations of procedural interventions for LPP are scarce in existing literature.
• There is a need to assess current procedural options for LPP treatment, focusing on efficacy, safety, and practical aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and assess current procedural options for treating Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP).
• To focus on the efficacy, safety, and practical considerations of these cosmetic procedures for LPP.
• To identify gaps in the literature regarding procedural interventions for LPP.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase for English studies published up to December 2024.
• Keywords included "lichen planus pigmentosus," various procedural terms (laser, chemical peel, specific agents), and "cosmetic procedure."
• Studies without original data, sufficient results, or human participants were excluded; data on study design, participants, procedures, and outcomes were extracted for a descriptive review.

Main Results:

• Sixteen studies were reviewed, highlighting procedural approaches including chemical peels (phenol, glycolic acid), laser therapy (Q-switched Nd:YAG, CO2 fractional, Picosecond Nd:YAG, erbium-doped fiber), and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
• Evidence is limited by small sample sizes (most studies <20 participants), a lack of randomized controlled trials, and reliance on case reports/series.
• Generalizability of findings is restricted due to these limitations.

Conclusions:

• Procedural interventions offer a potential alternative treatment for Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP), especially for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.
• Current evidence is limited, underscoring the need for further research.
• Larger cohorts and comparative trials are essential to validate findings and establish optimal procedural protocols for LPP management.