Lichen Nitidus

Lichen Nitidus is a skin condition, which is characterized by small pin-sized shiny papules or bumps that cover the surface of skin. These papules appear in clusters or groups. It is not known what causes lichen nitidus. The condition is mainly seen in areas such as legs, arms, torso, and genitalia, though; it can form on any surface of skin. Lesions may form in injured part of skin leading to linear patterns.

While the condition may affect anyone, it is mainly seen in children as well as young people. The skin condition is not dangerous and not a sign of a serious illness, however, the lesions can be distressing to parents when they occur in their children. There is no treatment needed for this skin condition because it tends to clear on its own.

However, it may take time to dissipate, and depends on how much skin surface is affected. At times, treatment may be done using ultraviolet light therapy, topical corticosteroids, and topical retinoids, but again, there may be no need to have such treatment. Lichen nitidus is a rare condition and can be chronic resulting in inflammation of skin where it forms skin-colored bumps that have flattened top surfaces. The skin condition does not increase the risk of having skin cancer. It’s also not an infectious disease.

How does Lichen nitidus look?

Lichen nitidus has glistening bumps or papules, which range in size of a pinpoint to pinhead. The bumps are flat at top and round in shape. The color of the bumps is the same as that of the skin but in people with lighter skin, they may appear slightly pinkish. On people with darkened skin, they appear lighter than normal skin.

The bumps are situated on chest, arms, abdomen, and genital areas. They may occur on soles, fingernails, and palms but in rare cases. The bumps may clear on one part of body but appear on another part. The bumps can itch but this rarely occurs.

And, where there are creases, scratches, or constant pressure, the papules appear in a line. For example, they can occur in a line on the skin in folds of abdomen or inside wrist and elbows.

Causes of lichen nitidus

The exact cause of these bumps on skin is not clearly known. The bumps appear because of inflammation triggered by white blood cells. The T lymphocytes help in healing diseases or injuries but it is not known what activates them in case of lichen nitidus.

Lichen Nitidus – Treatment

It takes about months to a year before these bumps clears. The condition disappears on its own without needing treatment. When it clears, the skin will retain its normal look without scars or change in color. However, when the bumps are itching or raise concerns on appearance, some medications may be prescribed by a doctor.

A patient may be administered corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can have negative effects depending on whether they are applied topically or taken orally. Long-term topical application of corticosteroids could result in thinning of skin. Using oral corticosteroids for extended period may weaken the bones or cause osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.

Other medications that may be given are retinoids. These are a form of vitamin A, and although they don’t cause effects like those of corticosteroids, they may irritate your skin. Nonetheless, retinoids may contribute to birth defects and therefore, should not be used by pregnant women. Medications that suppress the immune system such as tacrolimus may be administered.

Phototherapy using ultraviolet A light beam may be applied to treat the condition. The light penetrates the skin. Ultraviolet B light may also be used in this therapy. Patients are warned to refrain from exposing the skin to sun when undergoing phototherapy. UV absorbing sunglasses may be used to protect eyes.

Doctors may prescribe antihistamines to act against the protein or histamine, which is involved in the process of inflammation. Antihistamines are helpful if the bumps are itching and may be applied topically or taken orally.

Patients should seek help of a doctor if tiny bumps or skin rash appears for no apparent reason like allergy to known allergens or contact with substances, which cause skin reactions. An accurate diagnosis is needed before treatment. Patients should seek immediate care when the tiny bumps are accompanied by other symptoms and signs like itching, fever, and oozing or pus from a rash.

In case there are no serious issues with the skin or its appearance, it is better to consider leaving the condition to clear on its own. This way, a patient may avert the side effects, which come with use of various medications and treatment options. It however, may take time from a couple of months to about one year. The good thing is that when the bumps heal, they do not leave scarring on skin or induce change of color.