Linear lichen striatus- Response to topical tazarotene - A case series and review

Abstract

Introduction: Lichen striatus is an idiopathic self-limiting inflammatory linear dermatosis, mostly \naffecting children. There is a definite paucity of studies on the treatment options of lichen striatus in \nchildren from India.Routinely prescribed medications like topical steroids, emmolients and tacrolimus. \nBut these cases treated uniquely with topical tazarotene. \nObjective: The aim of this study was to analyze the treatment with topical tazaroteneof lichen striatus in \nchildren. \nMaterials and Methods: The present observational study was conducted in the Department of \nDermatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and KLE Hospital, Belgavi. All children up to 10 \nyears presenting with lichen striatus in the Dermatology Outpatient Department Jawaharlal Nehru Medical \nCollege and KLE Hospital, Belgavi of were taken as study participants. A detailed general, systemic, and \ncutaneous examination was done. Relevant investigations were carried out whenever necessary and topical \ntazarotene given for application. The pre–treatment and post treatment findings were recorded in a pro \nforma for analysis and interpretation of data. \nResults: The prevalence of lichen striatus in our outpatient pediatric population was 0.48%. male cases \noutnumbered females with a ratio of 4:2. The mean age of onset was found to be 3.7 years. Upper \nextremities and lower extremities were the most common sites involved. \nConclusion: Long-term studies with increased number of cases will help in better understanding of this \nrare disease in children and its treatment with topical tazarotene.