Actinic Lichen Planopilaris (aLPP)
Authors of a brand new examine report a brand new subtype of lichen planopilaris – generally known as actinic LPP.
They current the case of a 39-year-old Sri Lankan girl with Fitzpatrick pores and skin sort V who introduced with a 3-year historical past of pruritic, hyperpigmented plaques affecting sun-exposed websites. These websites included the face, dorsa of the fingers and ft. Two punch biopsies confirmed the prognosis of lichen planus and general a prognosis of actinic LP was felt to be applicable. Remedy with mometasone furoate 0·1% ointment, tacrolimus 0·1% ointment and photoprotection utilizing sunscreen led to a scientific enchancment.
Two years later, the affected person returned with signs of scalp discomfort and itching and longitudinal nail ridging. Her scalp itching was noticeably worse on sunny days and largely affected the scalp alongside the parting line. She additionally reported worsening of her scalp signs throughout summer time months and enchancment in winter.
Trichoscopy revealed perifollicular scales and perifollicular erythema involving follicles close to the scalp parting line. Scalp biopsies confirmed a prognosis of LPP
In view of the clinicopathological findings, the time period ‘actinic lichen planopilaris’ (aLPP) was used to explain the affected person’s presentation. Remedy with high-potency topical corticosteroids and adherence to strict photoprotection proved efficient in assuaging inflammatory signs and indicators.
Actinic LP is a uncommon photosensitive variant of LP that tends to have an effect on youthful sufferers with darker pores and skin sorts. Kids and younger adults are sometimes affected. Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is also called lichen planus subtropicus, lichen planus tropicus, summertime actinic lichenoid eruption, lichen planus atrophicus annularis, and lichenoid melanodermatosis
The precise reason for actinic LP just isn’t clear though it could have an underlying genetic predisposition given its greater prevalence in sufferers of East African, Center Japanese and Indian origin. Sufferers with actinic LPP have LP on sun-exposed areas and flare in summertime and expertise remission in winter. Most sufferers with actinic LP would not have mucosal or nail involvement.

