Lichen striatus is uncommon and benign skin problem that commonly impacts kids. The cause of this skin condition is unknown and is defined by the beginning of pink papules in linear band. It is a self-limited skin disorder that primarily involves the arms and the legs however can likewise impact any part of the body.
Lichen striatus is a benign skin condition however can leave a temporary hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation after it has actually fixed. The rash of lichen striatus frequently impacts a single arm or leg only but may also exist in the neck and torso. It is a disease that solves on its own (only by the Will of Allah) and is typically asymptomatic although there are some cases where moderate or severe irritation can be experienced.
Lichen striatus is prevalent among children particularly between the ages of 5 years to 15 years and seldom influences babies and adults but the disease however, can impact individuals at any age. It can likewise influence people worldwide without racial preference. Lichen striatus is discovered to be widespread among girls approximately 3 folds compared to incidence in children although there are some reports exposing an equal circulation of the disease in both boys and ladies.
Lichen striatus taking place in adults is more appropriately called as Blaschkitis or acquired Blaschkoid dermatitis. This adult form of lichen striatus looks much like eczema and is acquired. It is an inflammatory condition of the skin that is not present at birth.
Lichen striatus is not a lethal skin condition but can be troubling due to the beginning of visible rashes along the lines of Blaschko. The beginning can be uninviting and it can be itchy for some although the disease is typically asymptomatic. It normally deals with without a need for treatment other than in cases where the rashes are itchy and causing pain to the patient.
Lichen Striatus Symptoms
The hallmark of lichen striatus is the advancement of pink rashes in a form of a linear band where it includes the lines of Blaschko. The rashes establish as a single linear band in either arm or leg but can also establish in the neck and torso.
The lines of Blaschko are unnoticeable lines on the skin that represent the pattern of developmental development during the process of skin cell migration. It is different from other morphological lines of the skin as the lines of Blaschko do not correspond to the lymphatic, vascular and worried structures of the body. It is rather an unique line that is just made noticeable by numerous gotten or acquired diseases.
The upper spine of the body has a U-shape pattern of lines of Blaschko while the abdominal area has S-shaped pattern. An inverted U-shape pattern can be found on the breast and the upper arms while the lower arms and the legs have a perpendicular pattern of lines of Blaschko.
Lichen striatus is unilateral or affects just one side of the body and solitary down the lines of Blaschko in the extremities. It can influence either of the arms and either of the legs. The development of small papules is quick and is frequently asymptomatic. Pruritus is the main problem of patients when lichen striatus ends up being symptomatic. The pruritus can be moderate or it can be severe in many cases. The eruption of papules typically sticks around for several days to numerous weeks at the most.
The papules follow a linear band and may emerge in a continuous or periodic pattern. The linear band on the other hand is composed of small lichenoid papules roughly 1 mm to 3mm in size. The colors of the papules ranges from tan, pink to skin colored while the texture might be scaly and smooth.
The linear band is about 1 cm to 2 cm wide while the length has to do with a couple of centimeters or may extend up to the complete length of the extremity. In rare cases, the linear band may appear bilaterally or might be on multiple lines. In light skinned individuals, the linear band might appear as hyperpigmentation while in dark skinned individuals the linear band appears as hypopigmentation.
The nails are hardly ever associated with lichen striatus however is generally the only area included and without the sores. The involvement of the nails may happen prior to or after the development of linear bands in extremities or may take place along the linear band rash. The beginning of lichen striatus is often limited to one nail just. Changes in nail might be seen with ridging, splitting, nail loss and pitting. The nail bed is seen with hyperkeratosis while the nail plate might have thinning or thickening or may be seen with an over curvature.
Lichen Striatus Causes
The precise cause of lichen striatus has not been established. A number of inclining aspects on the other hand are being thought about. Both the hereditary factors and ecological stimuli are thought about in the incidence of lichen striatus.
A household history of asthma and atopic dermatitis are deemed as inclining factors in lichen striatus. This has actually been based on the reported cases of lichen striatus where 3 4th of patients have a family history of asthma or atopic dermatitis.
The environmental stimuli such as trauma and infection are being connected to the beginning of lichen striatus. The involvement of viral infection in lichen striatus is based upon the elevated levels of interleukin 1-beta as revealed in the biopsy of lichen striatus specimen. The principle nevertheless has actually not been proven.
Pregnancy is likewise believed to be associated with the procedure of lichen striatus. It is thought to set off the autoimmune response causing the eruption of papules in lichen striatus.
Lichen Striatus Treatment
Lichen striatus is a benign skin problem that is typically safe and non-life threatening. Treatment is not required and the lesion generally solves on its own. It takes about a number of months prior to the sores disappear. Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation on the other hand is common after the lesion has actually dissipated although only temporary.
If treatment is required, it is generally tailored to the relief of itching and dryness. Topical steroids and emollients are the typical medication for lichen striatus.
Topical steroids may assist in clearing the lesion although this might take about a number of weeks. Emollient on the other hand is advantageous in relieving the dryness of the skin and minimizing the irritation.
Home Remedies For Lichen Striatus
Considered that, lichen striatus is self-limiting and the sores have the tendency to pull away in 12 months, no major treatment is usually needed, unless the symptoms are uncontrolled and unmanageable.
- Vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation are really needed; they help accelerate the procedure of healing. Confer with your health care provider/ dermatologist and see what’s best for you. Start vitamin supplements and slowly taper off.
- Likewise, ensure that you have a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables– apples, oranges, limes, lemons, mangoes, guavas, watermelons, carrots, bell peppers and tomatoes. These are packed with all the ‘skin’ vitamins and speed up healing.
- Keep your skin well oiled and moisturized– you could utilize avocado oil, olive oil and jojoba oil. These lube the skin and prevent it from drying. Prevent synthetic moisturizers; they may worsen your condition.
- Make sure you are well hydrated. Drink plenty of water daily– a minimum of 12 glasses. Furthermore, have loads of fresh fruit juices, veggie juices, barley water, coconut water, organic teas and soups.
- Flax seeds assist handle a host of skin disorders. The important fats present in flax seeds nourish your skin and promote rejuvenation. Have 3 to 5 spoons of roasted flax seeds every day.
- Aloe vera is another exceptional home treatment to handle the itching related to lichen striatus. It relieves the skin, eases itching and motivates recovery. Mix 2 to 3 spoons of Aloe Vera gel, 1 drop of lavender important oil and 10 drops of jojoba oil. This blend has found to be exceptionally efficient in managing lichen striatus.
In extreme cases, which do not react to home treatments, you could talk about with your skin doctor and begin topical steroidal application to manage the symptoms better.
