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Lichen nitidus
By Mayo Clinic staffMayo Clinic Health Manager
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Definition
Lichen nitidus is a rare, noncancerous skin condition. It consists of tiny, skin-colored bumps (papules) that often appear in clusters on the surface of your skin, especially on your trunk and upper extremities. The cause of lichen nitidus is unknown.
Lichen nitidus may affect anyone, but typically develops in children and young adults. While you may find lichen nitidus to be annoying, it's harmless. Even without treatment, lichen nitidus usually disappears over time.
Symptoms
Lichen nitidus appears as numerous skin-colored, shiny papules on your skin. The pinpoint- to pinhead-sized bumps usually appear in clusters and may resemble warts. Papules most often occur on the following skin surfaces:
- Body trunk
- Arms and the back of your hands
- Genitalia
Other sites where lichen nitidus occurs less frequently include:
- Palms of your hands and soles of your feet
- Fingernails or toenails
- Mucous membranes
Other than its appearance on your skin, lichen nitidus may not cause any other symptoms. In some cases, however, the papules may itch.
Causes
Doctors don't know what causes lichen nitidus. However, it may be occasionally seen with the following other conditions:
- Lichen planus. This inflammatory skin condition causes an itchy rash on your arms, legs and trunk and soreness in your mouth.
- Amenorrhea. The absence of a monthly menstrual period is called amenorrhea.
- Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease causes an ongoing inflammation of your intestinal tract.
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This painful, chronic swelling of the joints affects children.
Risk factors
Lichen nitidus is most likely to develop in children and young adults.
When to seek medical advice
If the skin rash becomes uncomfortable, see your doctor. Or if you have additional symptoms, such as other skin lesions, or another medical condition, such as arthritis, in addition to the skin rash, talk with your doctor.
Tests and diagnosis
Lichen nitidus is often discovered when the papules suddenly emerge on the skin. Your doctor can determine whether you have lichen nitidus by its characteristic appearance or by taking a small sample of tissue (biopsy) and examining the tissue under a microscope.
Complications
There are no medical complications associated with lichen nitidus. However, it may be cosmetically troubling to you.
Treatments and drugs
Lichen nitidus is a harmless skin condition that usually gets better on its own after several years, so you and your doctor may decide not to treat it at all. Or you may choose to seek therapy for cosmetic reasons. Lichen nitidus treatment options include:
- Steroids. Corticosteroids applied on your skin (topical) may reduce inflammation.
- Antihistamines. These medications work by inhibiting a chemical called histamine, which is involved in your body's immune response. Antihistamines can help relieve itchy skin.
- Retinoids. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, serve to regulate skin cell growth.
- Phototherapy. This therapy involves exposing your skin to natural or artificial light (ultraviolet light). Doctors use this technique to treat a variety of skin disorders.
Your doctor can help determine which of these therapies might be suitable for you.
Prevention
You can't prevent lichen nitidus.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so protecting it is essential to your overall well-being. Here are a few tips for taking care of your skin:
- Prepare for the sun. At least 30 minutes before you head outdoors — winter or summer — generously apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. You may need to apply sunscreen more often if you are sweating or swimming.
- Watch your skin. If you notice a mole, freckle or bump that is changing in size, shape or color, talk to your doctor.
