Induction of actinic lichen planus with artificial UV sources

A fair-complected woman had an episode of actinic lichen planus (ALP) following natural sunlight exposure. The occurrence of ALP in the Netherlands, with its temperate summers, is highly unusual. Phototests with repeated doses of UV-B radiation successfully induced lichen planus-like skin lesions, while UV-A irradiation had no effect. Histologic examination of both the naturally occurring ALP lesions and the artificially induced lesions disclosed features characteristic of lichen planus.