A rare case of lichen planus follicularis tumidus involving bilateral retroauricular areas

Abstract

Lichen planus follicularis tumidus (LPFT) is an extremely rare variant of lichen planus characterized by white to yellow milia-like cysts and comedones on a violaceous to hyperpigmented plaque most commonly involving retroauricular area. Clinically, it resembles milia en plaque . It is usually asymptomatic, more common in middle-aged females. Histopathologically, it has features of lichen planopilaris along with follicular cysts in dermis surrounded by lichenoid infiltrate. We are reporting a case of LPFT in a 62-year-old male patient involving bilateral retroauricular areas due to the rarity of this condition.

Lichen planus follicularis tumidus in a patient with a history of hepatitis C

“…LPFT may be associated with other forms of LP 4 . However, our patient had no cutaneous or mucosal lesions of classic LP.…”

“…Lesions are usually asymptomatic but may be mildly pruritic. 4 The most commonly affected site is the postauricular area, either unilaterally or bilaterally. 2 However, ears, eyelids, cheeks, chin, nose, and scalp may also be involved.…”

“…LPFT is an uncommon type within the diverse spectrum LP that most commonly affects middle‐aged females and clinically manifests as erythematous to violaceous plaques that have a soft consistency. Lesions are usually asymptomatic but may be mildly pruritic 4 …”

“…2,3 LPFT is recognized histopathologically by the presence of cystically dilated follicular infundibula in the dermis, encircled by infiltrates of lymphocytes and histiocytes. 4 Here, we describe a case of LPFT affecting the ala of the nose in a patient with a history of hepatitis C. To our knowledge, fewer than 25 cases have been reported in the medical literature. 5…”

“…LPFT is recognized histopathologically by the presence of cystically dilated follicular infundibula in the dermis, encircled by infiltrates of lymphocytes and histiocytes 4 …”