Lichen planus esophagitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Dysphagia is one of the most common reasons for patients' visits to a gastroenterologist. Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) has historically been felt to be a rare disease, when in fact it is often misdiagnosed and unrecognized. Often first diagnosed as an unusual esophagitis, all gastroenterologists will see ELP in their practice, and need to be able to recognize this condition. RECENT FINDINGS: Although there is still a relative paucity of data on this condition, this article will update the typical presenting symptoms, endoscopic findings, and ways to differentiate ELP from other inflammatory mucosal diseases. There is still no standardized treatment algorithm, but we will also present the most recent treatment approaches. SUMMARY: It is critical that physicians maintain an increased awareness of ELP and have a high clinical suspicion in the appropriate patients. While management remains challenging, it is important to treat both the inflammatory and stricturing components of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach is also often required, utilizing dermatologists, gynecologists, and dentists who are familiar with managing patients with LP.

A Delphi consensus on the nomenclature and diagnosis of lichen planus pigmentosus and related entities.

BACKGROUND: Although well known in clinical practice, research in lichen planus pigmentosus and related dermal pigmentary diseases is restricted due to lack of consensus on nomenclature and disease definition. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Delphi exercise to define and categorise acquired dermal pigmentary diseases. METHODS: Core areas were identified including disease definition, etiopathogenesis, risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities and outcome measures. The Delphi exercise was conducted in three rounds. RESULTS: Sixteen researchers representing 12 different universities across India and Australia agreed to be part of this Delphi exercise. At the end of three rounds, a consensus of >80% was reached on usage of the umbrella term 'acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation'. It was agreed that there were minimal differences, if any, among the disorders previously defined as ashy dermatosis, erythema dyschromicum perstans, Riehl's melanosis and pigmented contact dermatitis. It was also agreed that lichen planus pigmentosus, erythema dyschromicum perstans and ashy dermatosis did not differ significantly apart from the sites of involvement, as historically described in the literature. Exposure to hair colours, sunlight and cosmetics was associated with these disorders in a significant proportion of patients. Participants agreed that both histopathology and dermatoscopy could diagnose dermal pigmentation characteristic of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation but could not differentiate the individual entities of ashy dermatosis, erythema dyschromicum perstans, Riehl's melanosis, lichen planus pigmentosus and pigmented contact dermatitis. LIMITATIONS: A wider consensus involving representatives from East Asian, European and Latin American countries is required. CONCLUSION: Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation could be an appropriate conglomerate terminology for acquired dermatoses characterised by idiopathic or multifactorial non-inflammatory macular dermal hyperpigmentation.

Lichen planus in Germany - epidemiology, treatment, and comorbidity. A retrospective claims data analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and is a major burden for affected patients. However, data on this condition are scarce. This study aims to expand the knowledge on the epidemiology and treatment patterns of LP using German health claims data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was based on the InGef research database. Prevalent and incident LP patients were identified in the years 2015 and 2018. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic characteristics, treatment patterns, and comorbidity. RESULTS: The prevalence of LP was 95.9 and the incidence was 20.1 per 100,000 individuals in 2018, corresponding to 79,605 prevalent LP cases in Germany. The first LP diagnosis was generally documented by a dermatologist or a primary care physician. Three-quarters of the incident and half of the prevalent patients received topical therapy, mostly without further systemic therapy. Comorbidity in LP patients was consistent with previously known associations. CONCLUSIONS: Available treatment options remain limited, underscoring the unmet need for safe and efficacious systemic treatment modalities. Lichen planus is frequently accompanied by clinically relevant systemic comorbidity. Taken together, these observations may improve our understanding of the burden of this disease and increase diagnostic awareness among clinicians.

Hair and Nail Conditions: Alopecia Evaluation.

Alopecia affects men and women and can result in significant distress for patients. Alopecias can be categorized as nonscarring or scarring. Nonscarring alopecias include male and female pattern alopecias, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, trichotillomania, and tinea capitis. Scarring alopecias include central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, discoid lupus erythematosus, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, folliculitis decalvans, and acne keloidalis nuchae. Evaluation of patients with alopecia involves assessment of the duration and distribution of hair loss, associated scalp symptoms, and associated conditions. Clinical examination of the hair and scalp may include a hair pull test, tug test, hair mount (ie, trichogram), dermoscopy, laboratory tests, and/or scalp biopsy, depending on the suspected etiology. Hair regrowth cannot occur in established lesions of scarring alopecia, so early identification and prompt initiation of treatment are critical in these cases. Patients with suspected or confirmed alopecias, alopecia areata, or alopecias refractory to treatment may benefit from referral to a dermatologist.

Concomitant hypertrophic lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma: Clinical features and treatment outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnoses present clinicians with diagnostic and disease management challenges. OBJECTIVE: To better define the clinical and treatment outcomes of patients with concomitant diagnoses of HLP and SCC. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective review was performed from January 1, 2008, to July 31, 2015, at Mayo Clinic. Patients with a histologic diagnosis of HLP and SCC were included. Patient demographics, associated comorbidities, histopathologic characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were identified; 79% were female, and mostly the lower extremities were involved. Most of the SCCs were well-differentiated and in situ with the majority treated with destruction or excision. There were no cases of local recurrence, metastasis, or disease-specific death during the follow-up period (mean 55.8 months). CONCLUSION: Patients with diagnoses of both HLP and SCC appear to be a distinct population that is predominantly female with lesion predilection for the lower extremities. However, regardless of treatment modality or tumor size, there were no adverse outcomes. An initial trial of more conservative treatment measures with close follow-up may be reasonable with biopsy of lesions unresponsive to conventional treatment.

A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Classic Lichen Planopilaris.

Lichen planopilaris is a primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia that commonly presents with hair loss at the vertex or parietal scalp. Patients may also have associated scalp itching, burning or tenderness. Due to scarring, hair loss is typically permanent. The main goals of treatment are reducing symptoms and preventing disease progression and further hair loss. Currently, the literature has limited evidence on treatments for this difficult condition, and most available evidence is from case reports and case series. Furthermore, the evidence shows a varied response to therapy, with frequent reports of poor response. This article reviews the diagnosis of this rare disease, summarize the currently available treatments, and provide insights and practices from alopecia experts.

Lichen planus - a clinical guide.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic lichenoid inflammatory disorder of the skin, mucosa and of the appendages. LP is classically characterized by the presence of a rich infiltration of inflammatory T cells, which migrate in the upper part of the dermis, arranged in a band-like pattern. Different sub types of the disease have been so far described. Albeit LP is clinically well defined, the disease still represents a therapeutic enigma. Especially with regard to mucosal or scalp affecting LP types, which often present a recalcitrant and treatment unresponsive course, efficacious therapeutic options are still lacking. Thus, LP represents a disease with a high psychosocial burden. Yet, development in the deciphering of LP pathogenesis reveals possible new druggable targets, thus paving the way for future therapeutic options. In this clinical guide, we summarize the current clinical knowledge and therapeutic standards and discuss the future perspective for the management of LP.

Liquen plano, estudio retrospectivo en un hospital pediátrico / Lichen planus, retrospective study in a pediatric hospital

Introducción: El liquen plano (LP) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica, de etiología desconocida, que puede afectar la piel, los anexos y las mucosas. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas y el tratamiento realizado en los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de LP, valorados en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital de Pediatría "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" en los últimos 33 años. Diseño:Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de LP atendidos en el Hospital desde agosto de 1987 hasta febrero de 2020 y se analizaron las variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y de tratamiento. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 26 pacientes, 18 de los cuales eran varones (69,3%). La media de edad en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 9,6 años. Presentaron la variedad de LP clásico 24 pacienes (93%). El compromiso ungueal y de la mucosa bucal se observó en 2 pacientes (7,7%). Ninguno tuvo asociación a fármacos ni a infecciones. En cuanto al tratamiento recibido, 4 pacientes (15,4%) tuvieron pérdida del seguimiento; 13 (50%) realizaron tratamiento tópico; 6 (23%), tratamiento sistémico y 3 (11,5%), tratamiento combinado. El promedio de seguimiento fue de 6 meses y se obtuvo una respuesta favorable en el 68% de los pacientes. Conclusiones: El LP es una patología de baja frecuencia en la infancia. No se encontró asociación a medicamentos ni a enfermedades infecciosas como se describe en la población adulta. Su curso es crónico y, en los pacientes que tuvieron un adecuado seguimiento, se obtuvo una buena respuesta al tratamiento indicado.

Introduction: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, which can affect skin, adnexal tissues and mucosa. Objective: to describe the clinical, epidemiological characteristics and the treatment received by patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of LP, seen at the Dermatology Service of Pediatric Hospital "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" in the last 33 years. Design: Descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. Materials y methods: We reviewed the clinical history of patients with histopathological diagnosis of LP that were treated at our hospital from August 1987 to February 2020 and analysed the epidemiological, clinical and treatment variables. Results: Data of 26 patients were included in this study 18 of which are males (69.3%). The mean age of diagnosis was 9.6 years. 24 patients (93%) presented the classical type of LP. Ungual and mucosal compromise were observed in 2 patients (7.7%) and none had associations with infections or drugs. Regarding treatment, 4 patients (15.4%) did not continue follow-ups, 13 patients (50%) had topical treatment, 6 (23%) had systemic treatment and 3 patients (11.5%) received combined treatment. The average follow-up time was 6 months and 68% of patients had favorable outcome. Conclusions: LP is an uncommon pathology in children. During this study we did not find any etiologic relations with use of drugs or infectious diseases as is described in de adult population. Its course is chronic and in the patients that had a proper follow-up a good response to the indicated treatment was obtained.

Evolución clínica en pacientes tratados con Esencias Florales de Bach y costo del tratamiento / Clinical Evolution and Cost of Treatment in Patients Treated with Bach Flower Essences

Introducción: La Medicina Natural y Tradicional constituye hoy en día una necesidad, no como opción terapéutica, sino por su valor intrínseco, al tratar al paciente de forma holística, además de su inocuidad y bajo costo. Objetivo: Evaluar la evolución clínica en pacientes tratados con Esencias florales de Bach y costo del tratamiento. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de evaluación de la evolución de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de Psoriasis, Vitíligo y Liquen plano, los cuales fueron tratados con Esencias florales de Bach en el período de marzo del 2016 a marzo del 2018, en Consulta Multidisciplinaria Dermatología- Medicina Natural Tradicional- Psicología, del Policlínico Docente Héroes del Moncada; del municipio de Cárdenas, Matanzas. Los datos fueron recopilados y procesados en el software Excel, atendiendo a variables demográficas, se tuvieron en cuenta los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y consentimiento informado de pacientes vírgenes de tratamiento convencional. Las esencias florales utilizadas fueron: Crab Apple, Willow, Verbain, Impatiems, Walnut, Cherry Plum, Sweet Chestnut, Chicory, Clematis, Beech, Star of Bethlehem, While Chestnut y Larch de forma oral y tópica. Resultados: En el sexo femenino predominó el Vitíligo y Psoriasis. La ansiedad estuvo presente en 17 pacientes, en cuanto a la evolución, 14 pacientes asintomáticos y 14 mejorados. El costo de las Esencias florales oral fue gratuito y el tópico muy bajo. Conclusiones: La evolución clínica fue favorable y el costo del tratamiento muy bajo, lo cual demostró la efectividad de la terapia floral en la muestra(AU)

Introduction: Natural and traditional medicine is nowadays a necessity, not as a therapeutic option, but because of its intrinsic value, since it allows to treat the patient holistically, in addition to its innocuousness and low cost. Objective: To assess the clinical evolution and cost of treatment in patients treated with Bach flower essences. Methods: A study was carried out to assess the evolution of patients with a clinical diagnosis of psoriasis, vitiligo and lichen planus, who were treated with Bach flower essences in the period from March 2016 to March 2018, at a multidisciplinary consultation of dermatology, traditional natural medicine and psychology from Héroes del Moncada Teaching Polyclinic in Cárdenas Municipality, Matanzas Province. The data were collected and processed in the EXCEL software, taking into account demographic variables, together with inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as informed consent of patients who had not received any conventional treatment. The flower essences used, orally and topically, were crab apple, willow, verbain, impatiens, walnut, cherry plum, sweet chestnut, chicory, clematis, beech, star of Bethlehem, white chestnut and larch. Results: The female sex predominated in cases of vitiligo and psoriasis. Anxiety was present in seventeen patients. Regarding evolution, fourteen patients were asymptomatic and the same amount achieved improvement. The cost of the oral flower essences was free and that of the topical ones was very low. Conclusions: Clinical evolution was favorable and the cost of treatment was very low, which demonstrated the effectiveness of flower therapy in the sample studied(AU)

Hair Transplantation in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Lichen Planopilaris: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Evolving hair transplantation (HT) techniques have offered new possibilities for hair restoration. However, the role of HT in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and lichen planopilaris (LPP) remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes and temporal relationship of HT in this population. METHODS: A literature search of three databases was conducted. We reviewed 1) literature reporting outcomes of patients with LPP or FFA who received HT, and 2) studies reporting the development of LPP or FFA resulting from HT. RESULTS: Thirteen articles included 42 patients that provided data for evaluation. Fifteen patients had previously been diagnosed with FFA or LPP, and the remaining 27 patients developed disease after undergoing HT. Seven patients with FFA and eight patients with LPP received HT, with a mean sustained disease remission of 2.69 years prior to HT. In total, two of seven (29%) patients with FFA and five of eight (75%) patients with LPP experienced positive HT results over a follow-up period of 8-72 months. Interestingly, 27 patients without evidence of previous disease developed FFA or LPP following HT after a median duration of 16 months. CONCLUSIONS: HT for LPP and FFA is feasible but results may be less favorable compared to HT for other causes. Outcomes may be more favorable for LPP than FFA but this was not statistically significant and evidence is very limited. FFA and LPP can also develop following HT in patients without previous evidence of disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:59-66, 2021.

Diagnosis and Management of Vulvovaginal Lichen Planus.

IMPORTANCE: Genital lichen planus is a debilitating disorder that lacks definitive recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present best practices from available evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of genital lichen planus. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a narrative review of the literature on genital lichen planus by searching PubMed using the following search terms: "vulvar lichen planus" OR (vulvar diseases[mesh] OR vulva[mesh]) AND lichen planus[mesh] OR vulvar[ti] AND "lichen planus"[ti]. We included all languages and years in the search. RESULTS: The search resulted in 273 citations that we reviewed for relevancy and selected 60 as the foundation for this review that focuses on genital sites. Diagnosis can be made without biopsy, and when a biopsy is taken, the pathologic findings may be nonspecific. Topical ultrapotent corticosteroids are most commonly used as first-line treatment of genital lichen planus. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: When patients present with genital lichen planus, a complete review of systems and a thorough physical examination should be performed because of the prevalence of extragenital sites. Treatment of genital disease should start with a topical, ultrapotent steroid, and follow-up visits should occur to ensure improvement and to monitor for adverse drug reactions and malignancy.

Common Benign Chronic Vulvar Disorders.

Common benign chronic vulvar conditions include genitourinary syndrome of menopause (formerly called vulvovaginal atrophy), lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, and vulvodynia. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause results from the hypoestrogenic state that leads to atrophy of normal vulvar and vaginal tissues. It is typically treated with lubricants, moisturizers, and intravaginal estrogen. Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory condition characterized by intense vulvar itching. It is treated with topical steroids or, in some cases, topical calcineurin inhibitors. Patients with lichen sclerosus are at risk of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and should be monitored closely for malignancy. Lichen planus is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can affect the vulva and vagina in addition to other skin and mucosal surfaces. The first-line treatment is topical steroids, and significant scarring can occur if left untreated. Lichen simplex chronicus manifests as persistent itching and scratching of the vulvar skin that leads to thickened epithelium. Breaking the itch-scratch cycle, often with topical steroids, is the key to treatment. Vulvodynia is a common vulvar pain disorder and is a diagnosis of exclusion. A multimodal treatment approach typically includes vulvar hygiene, physical therapy, psychosocial interventions, and antineuropathy medications.

Identification and management of vulval problems of the postmenopausal woman - Tips and tricks.

Vulval irritation and discomfort can be a common presentation to both primary and secondary care. These symptoms can become increasingly prevalent due to physiological changes, which occur to the female genitalia following menopausal transition or due to inflammatory conditions. The correct diagnosis and management can have a huge impact on the patients' quality of life. However, due to the nature of the symptoms, there can be delayed presentation to healthcare professionals. This article gives an overview of the most common benign vulval conditions in the post-menopausal woman, their clinical features and the diagnosis and initial management.