Home Topics A–Z Lichen nitidus pathology

Lichen nitidus pathology

Histology of lichen nitidus

Scanning power view of lichen nitidus identifies a focal dermal inflammatory infiltrate enclosed within collarettes of epidermal acanthosis (Figures 1 and 2). Focal erosion of the epidermis in figure 1 indicates excoriation. Higher power view identifies a well circumscribed lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with multinucleated giant cells (Figures 3 and 4).

Lichen nitidus pathology

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Differential diagnosis of lichen nitidus

Micropapular sarcoidosis: The inflammatory infiltrate is also seen focally within the papillary dermis, but is predominantly histiocytic forming non caseating epithelioid granulomas.

Lichen scrofulosorum: The non caseating granulomas are typically centred on the hair follicles or sweat ducts.

Papular granuloma annulare: Shows localized changes, but otherwise retains the typical infiltrate and collagen changes of granuloma annulare.

 

References

• Skin Pathology (2nd edition, 2002). Weedon D
• Pathology of the Skin (3rd edition, 2005). McKee PH, J. Calonje JE, Granter SR
• Micropapular sarcoidosis. Acta Derm Venereol. 1998;78:299–319.

On DermNet NZ

• Lichen nitidus
• Dermatopathology glossary
• Dermatopathology index

Books about skin diseases

• Books about the skin
• Dermatology Made Easy book

 

Related information