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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Lichen nitidus appears as clusters of tiny, glistening bumps (papules). Characteristics of the papules include the following:
Size
- Pinpoint to pinhead size
Shape
- Flat
- Round
Color
- Usually the same as your normal skin color
- Sometimes slightly pink on people with lighter skin
- Sometimes lighter than normal skin color on people with darker skin
Location
The most common locations of lichen nitidus papules include:
- Chest and abdomen
- Arms
- Tip of penis (glans) or shaft of penis
- Other skin around the genitals
- Rarely, on the palms, soles of the feet, mucous membranes and fingernails
In rare cases, the papules of lichen nitidus itch. The papules may appear in a line where there's a scratch, crease or constant pressure on the skin, such as a fold of skin on the abdomen or the crease of skin on the inside of the elbow or wrist. Lichen nitidus may clear up at one site on your body but appear at another.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if tiny bumps or a rash-like condition appears on your skin for no apparent reason, such as a known allergic reaction or contact with poison ivy. Because a number of conditions can cause skin reactions, it's best to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Get immediate care if your skin condition is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Itching
- Pus or oozing from a rash
- Pittelkow M, et al. Lichen nitidus. In: Wolff K, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2977326. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Tilly JJ, et al. Lichenoid eruptions in children. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2004;51:606.
- Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/default.asp. Accessed April 18, 2010.
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