Approach Considerations

No therapeutic modality has been rigorously evaluated for the treatment of lichen nitidus because of the rarity, lack of significant symptomatology, and disappearance of this disease within one or several years. Reported therapies, mostly from isolated case reports, include topical and systemic steroids, topical tacrolimus,^{[23, 24, 25]}systemic cetirizine,^[26]levamisole,^[26]etretinate, acitretin,^[27]itraconazole,^[28]cyclosporine, topical dinitrochlorobenzene,^[29]psoralen plus UV-A light,^[30]and narrow-band UV-B light.^{[31, 32, 33]}

Medication

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Hazen HH. Syphilis and skin diseases in the American Negro: personal observations. Arch Dermatol Syph. 1935. 31:316.
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Munro CS, Cox NH, Marks JM, Natarajan S. Lichen nitidus presenting as palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and nail dystrophy. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1993 Jul. 18(4):381-3. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
Yáñez S, Val-Bernal JF. Purpuric generalized lichen nitidus: an unusual eruption simulating pigmented purpuric dermatosis. Dermatology. 2004. 208(2):167-70. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
Jetton RL, Eby CS, Freeman RG. Vesicular and hemorrhagic lichen nitidus. Arch Dermatol. 1972 Mar. 105(3):430-1. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
Lestringant GG, Piletta P, Feldmann R, Galadari I, Frossard PM, Saurat JH. Coexistence of atopic dermatitis and lichen nitidus in three patients. Dermatology. 1996. 192(2):171-3. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
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Taniguchi S, Chanoki M, Hamada T. Recurrent generalized lichen nitidus associated with amenorrhea. Acta Derm Venereol. 1994 May. 74(3):224-5. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
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Media Gallery

Multiple skin-colored shiny papules associated with lichen nitidus.
Multiple shiny lichens over the penis.
Köbner phenomenon in lichen nitidus.
Lichen nitidus.

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Author

Zeina Tannous, MD Associate Professor and Chair, Lebanese American University; Chief of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Rizk Hospital, Lebanon; Visiting Associate Professor in Dermatology, Harvard Medical School; Clinical Associate in Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital

Zeina Tannous, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, International Society of Cosmetic and Laser Surgeons, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, Lebanese Dermatological Society, Lebanese Order of Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD Dermatologic/Mohs Surgeon, The Surgery Center at Plano Dermatology

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Warren R Heymann, MD Head, Division of Dermatology, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Warren R Heymann, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

David P Fivenson, MD Associate Director, St Joseph Mercy Hospital Dermatology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan

David P Fivenson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Michigan State Medical Society, Society for Investigative Dermatology, Photomedicine Society, Wound Healing Society, Michigan Dermatological Society, Medical Dermatology Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, Nelly Rubeiz, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

Lichen Nitidus Treatment & Management

Approach Considerations

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