Lichen spinulosus is a rare skin disorder characterized by follicular keratotic papules that are grouped into large patches. It is a variant of keratosis pilaris named for its resemblance to a patch of lichen.
Signs and symptoms It appears as a cluster of keratotic spines that resemble sandpaper and 2–5 cm hypopigmented or skin-colored follicular papules. The lesions typically appear on different parts of the skin and last for a few weeks or months.
Causes It could be inherited or linked to substances like gold, arsphenamine, thallium, vitamin A deficiency, diphtheria toxin, atopy, lithium medication, Hodgkin's disease, Crohn's disease, HIV, or alcoholism.
Diagnosis The histologic observations reveal a dermal lymphohistiocytic infiltration focused around hair follicles.
Treatment Treatments include topical keratolytics and emollients such as urea, adapalene, salicylic acid, vitamin A, tretinoin, and tacalcitol.
See also Hook nail List of cutaneous conditions
References
Further reading
External links DermNet Cleveland clinic