Background

Lichen striatus is a rare, benign, self-limited linear dermatosis of unknown origin that predominantly affects children.^{[1, 2]}It is clinically diagnosed on the basis of its appearance and its characteristic developmental pattern following the lines of Blaschko.^[3]

Next: Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology

The skin is the primary organ system affected by lichen striatus. However, lichen striatus also may involve the nails.^{[4, 5]}

Lesions of lichen striatus follow the lines of Blaschko.^{[6, 7, 8, 9]} Blaschko lines are thought to be embryologic in origin. They are believed to be the result of the segmental growth of clones of cutaneous cells or the mutation-induced mosaicism of cutaneous cells. In lichen striatus, an acquired event (eg, viral infection) may allow an aberrant clone of cutaneous cells to express a new antigen, resulting in the phenotypic skin changes.

Next: Pathophysiology

Etiology

The etiology of lichen striatus is unknown. Many etiologic or predisposing factors are suggested for lichen striatus. The most commonly accepted hypothesis is the combination of genetic predisposition with environmental stimuli.

Atopy may be a predisposing factor. One group reported that 85% of patients with lichen striatus have a family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergic rhinitisHowever, others have disputed this finding, stating that the incidence of atopy is no greater than that of the general population.

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Media Gallery

Extensive unilateral lichen striatus that affects both upper and lower extremity. Grouped keratotic lichenoid papules form plaques over leg.
Lichen striatus over inner thigh.
Hypopigmented lichen striatus over leg.

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#author-disclosures{display:block}#author-disclosures.modal-layer{position:relative}#author-disclosures .modal-content{max-height:none}#author-disclosures .close-modal{display:none}

Author

June Kim, MD Mohs Surgeon/Dermatologist, Cascade Eye and Skin Center, PC

June Kim, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Wingfield Rehmus, MD, MPH Dermatologist, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia

Wingfield Rehmus, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Pediatric Dermatology

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Abbvie; Valeant Canada<br/> Received honoraria from Valeant Canada for advisory board; Received honoraria from Pierre Fabre for advisory board; Received honoraria from Mustella for advisory board; Received honoraria from Abbvie for advisory board.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard P Vinson, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Texas Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Daniel J Hogan, MD Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Investigator, Hill Top Research, Florida Research Center

Daniel J Hogan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, Canadian Dermatology Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

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

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