Korean J Dermatol.  2024 Dec;62(10):560-564.

Exploring a Case of Potential Facial Lichen Planopilaris or Follicular Variant of Lichen Planus Pigmentosus

• Lee KJ
• Jeong JH
• Lee JW
• Shin HT
• Byun JW
• Choi GS
• Shin J

Abstract

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a follicular variant of lichen planus, typically occurring on the scalp. A 61-year-old man presented with asymptomatic pigmented atrophic patches on his chin. Dermoscopy showed reticular hyperpigmentation and perifollicular hyperkeratosis. A punch biopsy revealed follicular plugging, perifollicular lymphocytic infiltration, vacuolar degeneration of the follicular basal cell layer, mild interface dermatitis, and melanophages. Direct immunofluorescence testing was negative, leading to a diagnosis of facial LPP. Some have classified similar cases as facial LPP, while others have reported them as a follicular variant of lichen planus pigmentosus. This report explores the question of whether these cases should be classified as facial LPP, or as a follicular variant of lichen planus pigmentosus, or as conditions encompassed within the spectrum of these two disorders, with a comprehensive literature review.

Keyword

Face; Lichen planopilaris; Lichen planus; Lichen planus pigmentosus