A Clinical and Histopathological Study of Lichen Planus and Lichenoid Eruptions

Abstract

Background: Lichen planus (LP) and lichenoid eruptions are inflammatory skin disorders that share similar clinical and histopathological features. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin, mucous membranes, nails, and hair follicles, while lichenoid eruptions encompass a variety of conditions that mimic LP but have different underlying etiologies. A proper differentiation between these two entities is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Aim: To conduct a clinical and histopathological study of lichen planus and lichenoid eruptions to better understand their diagnostic characteristics and differentiate between them.

Methods: A total of 60 patients presenting with suspected lichen planus or lichenoid eruptions were included in this study. Clinical examination, histopathological evaluation, and relevant laboratory investigations were performed. The patients were classified into two groups based on their clinical and histopathological findings.

Results: The study revealed distinct clinical and histopathological patterns for lichen planus and lichenoid eruptions. Lichen planus typically presented with purple, polygonal, pruritic papules, and a characteristic histopathological feature of band-like lymphocytic infiltration at the dermoepidermal junction. Lichenoid eruptions showed more varied clinical presentations, including annular, pustular, or drug-induced forms, and histopathologically showed less uniform epidermal changes.

Conclusion: Clinical and histopathological examination is critical in distinguishing lichen planus from lichenoid eruptions, enabling the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Lichen planus, lichenoid eruptions, histopathology, inflammatory dermatosis, skin lesions, band-like infiltration.