By Jonas Wilson, Ing. Med.
Lichen striatus
Lichen striatus (LS), also known as Blaschko linear acquired inflammatory skin eruption or linear lichenoid dermatosis, is a benign, rare and self-limiting inflammatory skin condition. It primarily affects children between the ages of 5 to 15 years. LS initially presents as pinkish-red or flesh colored spots that coalesce over a two-week period (or less) to form a dull and scaly linear band. Lesions associated with LS tend to occur more frequently on one extremity (i.e. arm or leg); however, they may also affect the neck, torso or buttocks. While the skin is the predominant organ affected, LS may also occur on the nails as well.
Etiology and pathogenesis
The exact cause of LS is unknown. …show more content…
These lines are presumed to be embryonic in origin and are thought to be due to the segmental growth of cutaneous cells or mosaicism of these cells induced by a mutation that resulted from a triggering event (e.g. a viral infection) early during embryogenesis. This suggestion has been accepted over the years and the Blaschko line distribution has a topographic and pathogenetic concept. As with many studies, there are differences of opinions with regards to the Blaschko line relationship to LS and some studies claim that there may be an axial-neural phenomenon implicated in the condition.
Management and treatment
Treatment for LS is usually not necessary, because it is self-limited and resolves usually within a period of 3 to 12months. Lesions may resolve with a transient hypopigmented or hyperpigmented mark that also goes away after some time. To control skin dryness and itching, oils and creams may be used. Furthermore, topical steroids may also be employed, but these take some time before their effects are noticeable. Other therapies reported in the literature involve photodynamic use of methyl aminolevulinic acid.
Sources
1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8541698_Lichen_Striatus_Clinical_and_Laboratory_Features_of_115_Children
2. http://jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=7470
Lichen striatus
Lichen striatus (LS), also known as Blaschko linear acquired inflammatory skin eruption or linear lichenoid dermatosis, is a benign, rare and self-limiting inflammatory skin condition. It primarily affects children between the ages of 5 to 15 years. LS initially presents as pinkish-red or flesh colored spots that coalesce over a two-week period (or less) to form a dull and scaly linear band. Lesions associated with LS tend to occur more frequently on one extremity (i.e. arm or leg); however, they may also affect the neck, torso or buttocks. While the skin is the predominant organ affected, LS may also occur on the nails as well.
Etiology and pathogenesis
The exact cause of LS is unknown. …show more content…
These lines are presumed to be embryonic in origin and are thought to be due to the segmental growth of cutaneous cells or mosaicism of these cells induced by a mutation that resulted from a triggering event (e.g. a viral infection) early during embryogenesis. This suggestion has been accepted over the years and the Blaschko line distribution has a topographic and pathogenetic concept. As with many studies, there are differences of opinions with regards to the Blaschko line relationship to LS and some studies claim that there may be an axial-neural phenomenon implicated in the condition.
Management and treatment
Treatment for LS is usually not necessary, because it is self-limited and resolves usually within a period of 3 to 12months. Lesions may resolve with a transient hypopigmented or hyperpigmented mark that also goes away after some time. To control skin dryness and itching, oils and creams may be used. Furthermore, topical steroids may also be employed, but these take some time before their effects are noticeable. Other therapies reported in the literature involve photodynamic use of methyl aminolevulinic acid.
Sources
1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8541698_Lichen_Striatus_Clinical_and_Laboratory_Features_of_115_Children
2. http://jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=7470