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BACKGROUND: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a chronic lymphocytic skin disease manifested by progressive scarring alopecia. The diagnosis of LPP is made based on histopathological examination, although it is not always definite. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of non-invasive atomic force microscopy (AFM) hair examination in detecting morphological differences between healthy and diseased hair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, three to five hairs from lesional skin of 10 LPP patients were collected and examined at nine locations using AFM. At least four images were taken at each of the nine sites. Metric measurements were taken and metric (length, width, and scale step height) and morphological features (striated and smooth surface of scales, the presence of endocuticle and cortex, shape of scales edges, scratches, pitting, cracks, globules, and wavy edge) were compared with hair from healthy controls. In addition, areas on diseased hair where the process of pathological, unnatural delamination of the hair fiber occurs are described. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the number of scratches in the initial sections of the LPP hair, in the intensity of wavy edges along the entire length of the tested hair, and in the number of scales with pitting in the middle section of the hair. In addition, a statistically significant higher number of scales with striated surface was found in LPP group starting at 3.5 cm from the root continuing towards the free end of the hair. Other morphological changes such as presence of cortex, globules, oval indentations, and rod-like macrofibrillar elements were also assessed, however, detailed results are not presented, as the differences shown in the number of these morphological changes were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: This publication outlines the differences between virgin, healthy Caucasian hair, and the hair of LPP patients. The results of this study can be used for further research and work related to LPP. This is the first attempt to characterize the hair of LPP patients using AFM.

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Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is a rare photosensitive subtype of lichen planus (LP) with four major forms recognized: annular, pigmented (melasma-like), dyschromic, and classic lichenoid. The prevalence is highest among dark-skinned younger females residing in tropical and subtropical regions. There are very few reports of ALP across Europe, with most of the cases among individuals living in warm countries or in people of Middle Eastern and Indian ancestry. We report a case of a 68-year-old white man that presented with a 9-year history of a mildly pruritic solitary hyperpigmented patch on the tip of his nose. Histopathological examination demonstrated signs of classic LP with epidermal atrophy, pigmentary incontinence, and signs of solar elastosis. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of pigmented ALP was established. Topical pimecrolimus and tretinoin along with rigorous photoprotection proved effective, with mild residual hyperpigmentation after 6 months of treatment. Many differential diagnostic possibilities should be considered for such a lesion. Nevertheless, a biopsy and correlation of histopathological and clinical findings can shorten the time from onset to a proper diagnosis. Treating both the hyperpigmented and inflammatory component of this dermatosis is necessary, as well as strict long-term photoprotection to prevent recurrences.

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Lichen planus (LP) is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disease. While various clinical subtypes have been defined, detailed comparisons of these variants are lacking. This study aimed to elucidate differences in gene expression and cellular composition across LP subtypes. Lesional skin biopsies from 28 LP patients (classical, oral, genital, and lichen planopilaris) and seven non-diseased skin controls (NDC) were analyzed. Gene expression profiling of 730 inflammation-related genes was conducted using NanoString. Immune cell compositions were assessed by multiplex immunohistochemistry. Gene expression profiles revealed unique inflammatory signatures for each LP subtype. Lichen planopilaris exhibited the most divergence, with downregulated gene expression and upregulation of complement pathway genes (C5-7), along with elevated M2 macrophages. Oral and genital LP demonstrated similar profiles with strong upregulation of TNF-related and Toll-like receptor-associated genes. Oral LP showed the highest upregulation of cytotoxicity-associated genes, as well as high numbers of CD8+ IL-17A+ (Tc17) cells (8.02%). Interferon gene signatures were strongly upregulated in oral and classical LP. The study highlights distinct differences in inflammatory gene expression and cell composition across LP subtypes, emphasizing the need for tailored therapeutic approaches.

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Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects the skin, oral mucosa and genital mucosa. Elafin is an epithelial host-defense protein that is absent in normal skin but highly expressed in inflamed skin keratinocytes. Overexpression of Elafin has been reported in various infective, inflammatory skin disorders, such as cellulitis, psoriasis, Behçet's syndrome, and graft versus host disease. The aim of this case- control study is to map the level of Elafin in LP in order to investigate its role in the pathogenesis of LP. This study included 30 LP patients and 30 healthy controls. 10 cc blood samples were withdrawn from study participants to evaluate the serum level of Elafin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Serum Elafin level was significantly higher in LP patients as compared to healthy controls; the mean values were (32.56 vs. 5.60) in LP cases and healthy controls respectively with a statistically significant p-value < 0.001. We conclude that Elafin could be part of the inflammatory autoimmune process in LP.

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Lichen planus is a chronic auto-inflammatory disease that primarily affects mucocutaneous regions. There are many variants of lichen planus including cutaneous, oral, nail, follicular, and erosive forms. Without any disease-specific treatment options, multi-variant lichen planus can be a challenging disease to manage. We present a 61-year-old woman with multivariant lichen planus that was refractory to numerous systemic and topical therapies. Subsequently, her cutaneous and vulvovaginal lesions improved with the use of oral baricitinib and the erosive oral lesions improved with topical ruxolitinib.

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Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis primarily affecting the genitalia, commonly characterized by pearly-white papules and plaques. Although predominantly affecting females, LS can manifest across all age groups, with a bimodal distribution observed in prepubescent girls and postmenopausal women. This case report presents an unusual instance of exclusive extragenital LS in a 10-year-old girl, showcasing hyperpigmented patches and wrinkled plaques resembling lichen planus on her forearms and lower legs. Histopathological analysis confirmed LS, revealing distinctive epidermal changes and lymphocytic infiltrates. The absence of mucosal involvement and unique clinical presentation differentiated this case from typical LS manifestations. Treatment with topical clobetasol propionate demonstrated significant improvement in pruritus. Extragenital LS is infrequent, particularly among children, and its diagnosis necessitates a comprehensive clinicopathological correlation. The reported case contributes valuable insights into this uncommon variant, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies. Additionally, it highlights the efficacy of high-potency topical corticosteroids in managing this condition.

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ABSTRACT: Lichen linear planus is a rare variant of lichen planus that appears as pruritic, polygonal, purple papules in a blaschkoid distribution. This review critically assesses all reported cases of linear lichen planus (LLP) for proposed etiology, clinical and histologic traits, treatment options, and recurrence. A PubMed search from inception through March 2023, followed by article screening and full-text review, identified 51 unique cases of LLP. Data from each case including the sex of the patient, anatomic distribution of lesions, biopsy results, proposed etiology, treatment, and recurrence were recorded. LLP did not show a significant gender or age predilection, most frequently presented unilaterally with pruritus, and involved numerous anatomic regions. Various triggers including metal implants, vaccinations, infections, malignancy, and pregnancy were identified. The most common histopathologic descriptions included band-like lymphocytic or lichenoid infiltrate, basal liquefactive, vacuolar degeneration, hypergranulosis, hyperkeratosis, civatte or colloid bodies, melanin incontinence, and orthokeratosis. Treatment options, duration of treatment, and recurrence rate of LLP lesions were variable. Although LLP is rare, dermatologists should be aware of this presentation and appropriate diagnostic and treatment options because swift diagnosis can reduce patient morbidity.

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Lichen planus (LP), an idiopathic, multifaceted chronic inflammatory disease with a heterogeneous clinical presentation, affects approximately 0.5-1% of the population. The various clinical manifestations of LP fall into three broad categories, namely cutaneous, appendageal, and mucosal, with further subclassification depending on the morphology and distribution patterns of individual lesions. There is mounting evidence that LP has systemic associations, including autoimmune conditions, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disorders. Cutaneous hypertrophic and mucosal forms of LP are at a heightened risk for malignant transformation. Familiarity with these potential associations in conjunction with long-term follow-up and regular screening could lead to a timely diagnosis and management of concomitant conditions. In addition, the frequent quality of life (QoL) impairment in LP underscores the need for a comprehensive approach including psychological evaluation and support. Several treatment strategies have been attempted, though most of them have not been adopted in clinical practice because of suboptimal benefit-to-risk ratios or lack of evidence. More recent studies toward pathogenesis-driven treatments have identified Janus kinase inhibitors such as tofacitinib, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors such as apremilast, and biologics targeting the interleukin-23/interleukin-17 pathway as novel therapeutic options, resulting in a dramatic change of the treatment landscape of LP. This contemporary review focuses on the diagnosis and management of LP, and places emphasis on more recently described targeted treatment options.

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We present a case of a patient with a 10-year history of blue-black macules and patches on the face and an associated history of skin-lightening cream usage. The skin lightening cream contained hydroquinone, which is often associated with exogenous ochronosis (EO). Interestingly, the biopsy did not show characteristic findings of ochronosis, confusing the final diagnosis, however discontinuing the skin-lightening creams halted the progression of the patient's skin lesions supporting a diagnosis of EO. EO presents as asymptomatic hyperpigmentation after using products containing hydroquinone. This condition is most common in Black populations, likely due to the increased use of skin care products and bleaching cream containing hydroquinone in these populations. Topical hydroquinone is FDA-approved to treat melasma, chloasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and hyperpigmentation and is available by prescription only in the US and Canada. However, with the increased use of skin-lightening creams in certain populations, it is important for dermatologists to accurately recognize the clinical features of exogenous ochronosis to differentiate it from similar dermatoses. An earlier diagnosis can prevent the progression to severe presentations with papules and nodules. We summarize the clinical presentations diagnostic features, and treatment pearls, concluding with a discussion of the differential diagnoses.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):567-568.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8248.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: PD-1 inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapies and are being used to treat an expanding array of cancers. To best serve patients, clinicians should be familiar with the spectrum of skin manifestations associated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy. Here, we report a unique case of hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) in a 64-year-old man treated with pembrolizumab; the presentation initially suggested a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) morphology, then evolved into a morphology more typical of hypertrophic lichen planus. This case underscores the need for caution in diagnosing eruptive SCCs associated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy. In such instances, maintaining a high suspicion for lichenoid reactions as sequelae of PD-1 inhibitor treatment and starting an empiric trial of therapy for lichenoid dermatitis may be warranted to ensure timely management of lesions. METHODS: We describe a case of hypertrophic lichen planus mimicking squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of PD-1 inhibitory therapy with pembrolizumab. A PubMed literature review was conducted to identify other cases and determine the incidence of lichenoid reactions imitating squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of PD-1 inhibitor use. RESULTS: Our case is one of the few available pieces of literature describing eruptive hypertrophic lichen planus imitating SCC in the setting of PD-1 inhibitor use. Initial skin nodule biopsy appeared histologically compatible with squamous cell carcinoma. Repeat biopsy of the skin lesions revealed histological features consistent with hypertrophic lichen planus. Over time, lower extremity lesions evolved into a more typical appearance of hypertrophic lichen planus. Treatment with topical 0.05% clobetasol ointment and oral acitretin 25 mg led to complete resolution of lesions within 2-3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the significance of maintaining vigilance for lichenoid reactions as potential sequelae of PD-1 inhibitor therapy. It highlights the variability in initial presentation and the potential for lesions to transform over time. Timely recognition and appropriate management, including high-potency topical corticosteroids and oral acitretin, are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes in patients experiencing such reactions. More studies are necessary to fully analyze the rate of HLP occurrence as a consequence of PD-1 inhibitor use.

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Importance: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a form of scarring alopecia associated with progressive, permanent hair loss. Symptoms range from burning pain to itching, also carrying substantial psychological morbidity. Yet, disease characteristics, pathophysiology, and effective treatment data are limited, making treatment a challenge. Objective: To describe the prevalence and dermatologist-prescribed treatment patterns of LPP among US adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used the Explorys database. The prevalence analysis used a 15% random sample and identified US adults with LPP diagnoses between 2017 and 2019. The LPP treatment analysis included all patients with LPP diagnoses between 2016 and 2020 and a dermatologist encounter in the first year after diagnosis. Data were analyzed from January 2023 to April 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes of the prevalence analysis were the crude and standardized prevalence estimates of US adults with LPP across age, sex, and racial groups. The main outcomes of the treatment analysis were the frequency of LPP treatments within 1 year of diagnosis, and the number of patients who continued treatment beyond 1 year, switched treatments, and combined treatments. Results: Among 1 466 832 eligible patients analyzed for prevalence, 241 patients had an LPP diagnosis (222 [92.1%] female; median [IQR] age, 64 [54-73] years). Standardized overall prevalence was 13.4 per 100 000 (95% CI, 11.7-15.1). In the treatment analysis, 991 patients had an LPP diagnosis (907 [91.5%] female; median (IQR) age, 60 [47-69] years). Most received at least 1 type of medication (635 [64.1%]), most frequently intralesional corticosteroids (370 [37.3%]) and topical corticosteroids (342 [34.5%]), followed by doxycycline (104 [10.5%]) and hydroxychloroquine (72 [7.3%]). Treatment continued beyond 1 year in 71 of 200 patients (35.5%) prescribed intralesional corticosteroids and 7 of 29 patients (24.1%) prescribed hydroxychloroquine. Treatment switching at 1 year occurred in 32 of 254 patients (12.6%) first prescribed an intralesional corticosteroid and in 44 of 194 (22.7%) first prescribed a topical corticosteroid. Combinations of 2 or 3 treatment types were given to 137 (13.8%) and 74 (7.5%) patients, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional study reported prevalence and treatment patterns for US adults with LPP in a representative sample. Most patients with LPP received treatment, and many received multiple treatment types and switched treatments, suggesting further research into medication selection offers clinical benefit.

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As of now, there exists no established therapy for ELP. Retinoids, which are standard in treating cutaneous LP, do not exhibit positive effects in ELP. While topical glucocorticosteroids often yield favorable responses in esophageal inflammation, some cases prove recalcitrant or refractory. In such instances, various immunosuppressive therapies have been attempted with variable success.This report details a severe case of ELP that showed resistance to prednisolone, acitretin, alitretinoin, adalimumab, tacrolimus, hydroxychloroquine plus mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide. The initiation of the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib induced an impressive clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission. This positive response to a JAK inhibitor is discussed in the context of our evolving understanding of the immune-mediated pathogenesis of this disease.

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Background and Objectives: Lichen planus of the lip (LPL) is a chronic inflammatory condition that resembles actinic cheilitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, graft-versus-host disease, and lichenoid reaction to dental materials or drugs. The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review on lichen planus lip involvement and to report a retrospective observational study that characterises and explores the clinical, histopathological, and evolution of the lesions in a group of patients with unique involvement of LPL. Materials and Methods: Clinical data of patients diagnosed with LPL was retrieved from the medical charts of the patients referred to the Oral Pathology Department of the "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy. A concurrent electronic literature research was carried out using PubMed and Web of Science from 2003 to 2023. Results: Eleven patients diagnosed with unique LPL were analysed (male/female ratio was 1.75, mean age 63.64 years ± 12.52). All patients presented lesions of the lower lip; the clinical forms were atrophic (six cases) and erosive (five cases), and the histopathological exam confirmed the diagnosis. After topical treatment with corticosteroids, most of the patients had complete remission. The literature review revealed 24 studies (sixteen case reports and eight case series) which comprised 84 patients. Isolated lip involvement was reported in 17 studies, and five articles with concomitant oral lichen planus, while two articles did not mention this criterion. Conclusions: Our study brings new data on isolated lichen planus of the lip that primarily affects the lower lip with predominance in male patients. It was reported worldwide in patients between 22 and 75 years old. Topical corticosteroids were the main treatment prescribed and they usually brought remission of the lesions. Lichen planus of the lip is a challenging diagnosis for oral health practitioner providers as well as for dermatologists.

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BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease with uncertain etiology. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an interferon gamma (INFγ) inducing agent. It is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that was found to play a role in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 50 patients with classic cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) and 50 healthy volunteers serving as controls. Venous blood samples were withdrawn from the study subjects under complete aseptic precautions. Blood samples were examined for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-18 gene at promoter -137(G/C) and -656 (G/T) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and IL-18 level was assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The mean level of IL-18 was significantly higher in CLP patients (31.63 ± 4.90) compared to control subjects (13.95 ± 6.82). Significantly high levels of IL-18 were found among patients with diabetes, hypertension (p < 0.01 in both). HCV positive patients and patients with both OLP and CLP also expressed higher levels of IL-18. Genotypic and allelic distribution at position -137(G/C) showed that the genotype GG was present at significantly higher frequency in cases (58%) compared to controls (28.0%). On the other hand the CC genotype at position -137 was significantly higher in the controls (28%) as compared to CLP cases (6%). Polymorphism of IL-18 at position -656(G/T) showed no significant difference between cases and controls. No significant difference could be detected in IL-18 level between different genotypic variants at position -137(G/C) and -656(G/T). CONCLUSION: IL-18 may play important role in pathogenesis of LP. Elevated IL-18 levels could be part of the pro-inflammatory autoimmune process in LP. The presence of OLP, HCV, diabetes and hypertension is associated with higher production of IL-18. IL-18 promotor region -137(G/C) polymorphism might be a factor that increase the risk of development of lichen planus in Egyptian patients.

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Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are primary cicatricial alopecia that cause a major impact on quality of life due to irreversible hair loss and symptoms as itching, burning and pain. They are characterized by permanent loss of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) by pathomechanisms still poorly understood, resulting in poor efficacy of currently available treatments. Caveolae are flask-shaped lipid rafts invaginated within the plasma membrane of multiple cell types. Although their role in the HF physiology and pathophysiology is relatively unknown, we have previously demonstrated that the primary structural component of caveolae (caveolin-1 or Cav1) is upregulated in FFA. Thus, we propose to investigate the expression and localization of caveolae-associated structural proteins (Cav1, Cav2, and Cavin-1) and HFSCs (identified by K15) in both LPP and FFA. We analyzed 4 patients with LPP biopsied in affected and non-affected (NA) scalp, 4 patients with FFA biopsied in affected scalp and 4 healthy controls. Affected scalp of LPP and FFA demonstrated increased levels of Cav1 and Cavin-1 compared with HC and LPP-NA. Moreover, Cav1, Cav2 and Cavin1 all exhibit high colocalization with K15 and their expression appears to be negatively correlated, supporting the hypothesis that these proteins are important players in LPP/FFA and may serve as therapeutic targets in future treatments.

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