Induction of actinic lichen planus with artificial UV sources

Abstract

A fair-complected woman had an episode of actinic lichen planus (ALP) following natural sunlight exposure. The occurrence of ALP in the Netherlands, with its temperate summers, is highly unusual. Phototests with repeated doses of UV-B radiation successfully induced lichen planus-like skin lesions, while UV-A irradiation had no effect. Histologic examination of both the naturally occurring ALP lesions and the artificially induced lesions disclosed features characteristic of lichen planus.

Pigmented actinic lichen planus (PALP) mimicking lentigo maligna melanoma: Usefulness of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in diagnosis and follow-up

“… 4 The etiology is still unknown; however, natural and artificial UV radiation appears to be the major precipitating factor as reported in literature. 5 , 6 , 7 …”

“…Some cases improved with acitretin in combination with topical steroids 7 or cyclosporine for the refractory cases. 6 , 12 …”

Oral prednisone: A unique and effective treatment for actinic lichen planus

“…The pathogenesis has not been well established, but several studies found that lesions can be reproduced with ultraviolet radiation. 2 , 3 , 4 Treatment with the use of Grenz rays, x-rays, and bismuth have been reported as somewhat effective. Hydroxychloroquine and acetretin with topical glucocorticoids have also been used successfully in the past.…”

Lichen planus actinicus treated with acitretin and topical corticosteroids

“…Lichen planus actinicus, which is also known as lichen planus tropicus, 1 lichen planus subtropicus, 2 lichenoid melanodermatitis, 3 and lichen planus atrophicus annularis, 4 is a distinct variant of lichen planus, affecting mainly children and young adults. The majority of reported cases are from the Middle East, but cases from the Netherlands, 5 Italy, 6 Tunisia, 7 India, 8 East Africa, 3 the United States 4,9 and other countries have also been described. Clinically, four types of lichen planus actinicus can be distinguished: annular, plaque‐like, dyschromic, and pigmented.…”