DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages

Translate

Lichen striatus

Author: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, 2003.


toc-icon
Table of contents
arrow-right-small

What is lichen striatus?

Lichen striatus is an uncommon self-limiting skin rash that occurs mainly in children. It presents as pink raised spots that join together to form one or more dull red slightly scaly linear bands.

Lichen striatus

Why does lichen striatus occur and who is at risk?

The cause of lichen striatus is unknown. Possibly genetic factors or environmental triggers have a role to play in its development. The eruption affects the lines of Blaschko, which are thought to be embryonic in origin.

Over 50% of cases occur in children aged between 5 and 15 years. It appears in females two or three times as often as in males. It is rare in adults when it is sometimes known as acquired blaschkoid dermatitis or blaschkitis.

What does lichen striatus look like?

Lichen striatus starts as small pink, red or flesh coloured spots that over the course of one or two weeks join together to form a dull red slightly scaly linear band. The band is usually 2 mm to 2 cm in width and may be a few centimetres in length or may extend the entire length of the limb. Sometimes there are two parallel bands. Lesions occur most commonly on one arm or leg but can affect the neck, face, or trunk. Sometimes a band may extend from the leg onto the buttock or abdomen. Usually, there are no symptoms but some patients may complain of slight or intense itching.

Occasionally nails may be affected, sometimes without any skin lesions. They become thick, ridged, split and may rarely fall off altogether.

How is lichen striatus diagnosed?

Lichen striatus is diagnosed by its typical clinical appearance. Findings on histopathology of a skin biopsy may also be helpful.

What treatments are available for lichen striatus?

There is no effective treatment for lichen striatus and in most cases none is necessary. It usually resolves within 6 months but may leave temporary pale or dark marks (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation).

Emollients may be used to help treat dryness or itching, if present. Topical steroids or pimecrolimus cream may clear the lesions although they may take some weeks to be effective.

 

References

  • Campanati A, Brandozzi G, Giangiacomi M, Simonetti O, Marconi B, Offidani AM. Lichen striatus in adults and pimecrolimus: open, off-label clinical study. Int J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;47(7):732–6. Medline.
  • Müller CSL, Schmaltz R, Vogt T and Pföhler T. Lichen striatus and blaschkitis: reappraisal of the concept of blaschkolinear dermatoses. Br J Dermatol 2011. DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10053.x. PubMed

On DermNet

Other websites

Books about skin diseases

 

Related information

Sign up to the newsletter