[Lichen purpuricus]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Lichen purpuricus is a rare dermatosis with variable clinical presentations.
• Accurate diagnosis can be challenging based on clinical examination alone.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old male presented with a recurrent eruption of asymptomatic, dark-red macules and papules on his left hand.
• The eruption had resolved spontaneously before reappearing, complicating initial clinical diagnosis.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination revealed a dense, band-like infiltrate in the upper dermis.
• The infiltrate consisted of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and extravasated red blood cells, with hemosiderin granules present.

Implications:

• Histopathological findings are crucial for diagnosing lichen purpuricus when clinical features are ambiguous.
• This case contributes to understanding the clinical and histopathological spectrum of lichen purpuricus.