Description
Lichen nitidus is a rare skin condition that usually appears as small shiny bumps, same color as the skin, and appears on the surface of the skin. Lichen nitidus is a result of abnormal inflammatory activity in skin cells, but the cause of inflammation is unknown.
Although lichen nitidus can happen to anyone, but usually develops in children and adolescents. Lichen nitidus rarely causes discomfort and usually disappear without treatment.
Lichen nitidus is not a form of cancer, does not increase the risk of skin cancer, and is not a contagious disease that can spread to others.
Cause
The cause of lichen nitidus is unknown. Papules that appear are the result of inflammation that are controlled by white blood cells called T lymphocytes Normally, the cells are active at the site of disease or injury.
Doctors and researchers do not know what prompted the T lymphocytes must be activated in case of lichen nitidus. Because lichen nitidus is rare, most information about this disorder is known of individual cases or small studies, not from large studies, which generally have stronger evidence. Therefore, the relationship may be observed between lichen nitidus and other diseases are less well understood.
Reports of individual cases and small studies have found lichen nitidus usually associated with:
1. Lichen planus
Inflammatory condition usually characterized by patches of red or purple, flat, itchy bumps on the skin or a lacy white patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth.
2. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
An inflammatory skin condition usually characterized by dry, itchy, rash on the face, inside the elbows, behind knees, as well as on the hands and feet.
3. Crohn's disease
Inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, which can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and malnutrition.
4. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory disease that causes persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
5. Tuberculosis
Is an infectious disease that most commonly affects the lungs.
Symptom
Lichen nitidus appears as glistening bumps (papules) in small groups. Papules characteristics include:
1. Size
Pinpoint to Pinhead
2. Form
a. Flat
b. Round
3. Color
a. Usually the same as the normal skin color
b. Sometimes a little pink in people with lighter skin
c. Sometimes lighter than normal skin color in people with darker skin
4. Location
a. Chest and abdomen
b. Arm
c. Penile shaft
d. The skin around the genitals
e. Rarely on the palms, soles, mucous membranes, and nails
Treatment
For most people, lichen nitidus lasted for several months to a year. These conditions will usually go away without treatment. Once cured, the appearance of skin is usually normal with no scarring or permanent changes in skin color.
If lichen nitidus cause itching or if you have concerns about appearance, your doctor may prescribe one of the following therapies:
1. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation associated with lichen nitidus. Side effects vary depending on whether it is used as an ointment applied directly to the skin (topical) or taken as pills (oral).
Long-term use of topical corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin, which reduces the effects of treatment and other skin problems. Long-term use of oral corticosteroids can cause weakening of bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
2. Retinoids
Retinoids are synthetic versions of vitamin A that may be topical or oral medication. Topical treatment does not cause side effects associated with corticosteroids, but may irritate the skin.
Because the topical and oral retinoids can cause birth defects, may not be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future. Your doctor can advise about necessary precautions.
3. Antihistamines
Antihistamines act on a protein called histamine which is involved in inflammatory activity. Oral or topical antihistamines may relieve itching associated with lichen nitidus.
4. Phototherapy
Is a type of light therapy, can help clean the lichen nitidus. This therapy uses ultraviolet A (UVA), which penetrate deep into the skin. This therapy is usually used in combination with oral or topical psoralen.
The drug can make the skin more sensitive to UVA rays. Short-term side effects of this therapy can include nausea, headache, and itching.
To avoid sunburns, it must be careful to avoid sun exposure for several days after taking psoralen. Also, have to wear special glasses that absorb UVA for several days to protect the eyes.
Sources: MayoClinic
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