A case of lichen spinulosus

Abstract

Lichen spinulosus is an uncommon idiopathic disorder characterized by scattered 2 cm to 6 cm patches of keratotic follicular papules. Individual papules are 1 to 3 mm in diameter and consist of a hairlike horny spine. Lesions are typically skin colored and asymptomatic or mildly pruritic. It occurs mainly in children and adolescents. Although several factors, such as atopy, infection, drug reaction, id reaction to fungal infection, and heredity, have been proposed as playing a role in lichen spinulosus, most cases are not associated with any systemic abnormalities. Lichen spinulosus is usually a symmetrical lesion that occurs on the trunk or extremities. Herein, we report a case of lichen spinulosus in a 7-year-old child in the submental area, an uncommon site.