Background: Pediatric lichen planus (LP) is a relatively uncommon condition, with increased presentation in children with darkly pigmented skin.
Objective: To understand the small subset of children with lichen planus (LP) manifesting as lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), a form with thin plaques and extensive hyperpigmentation, generally in the absence of signs of inflammation Methods: This article is a systematic review of the English language literature for cases of lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) in children.
Results: Twenty-one cases were identified including 2 that were linear, 3 inverse types, 1 palmoplantar. In larger series, 2–2.8% of children with lichen planus are affected by this sub-variant. One patient had reported associated oral lesions. Oral and topical corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus, and ultraviolet light have been described as successful therapies.
Conclusions: LPP is an uncommon but important variant of lichen planus in children. In the presence of dark hyperpigmentation of the skin, a biopsy can help identify LPP. Clinicians should be aware that LPP can follow four patterns: common, inverse, palmoplantar, and linear.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):850-853. doi:10.36849/JDD.6760.