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Home Topics A–Z Lichen nitidus pathology
Author: Dr Ben Tallon, Dermatologist/Dermatopathologist, Tauranga, New Zealand, 2011.
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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
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.
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