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Arch Dermatol. 2005;141:93-98.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Diagnosis: Annular atrophic lichen planus (AALP).

MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS

The punch biopsy specimen from the border demonstrated hyperkeratosis, focal hypergranulosis, and irregular acanthosis. There was a dense, bandlike infiltrate of lymphocytes along the basal layer and papillary dermis. Scattered melanophages and colloid bodies were seen just below the epidermis. The punch biopsy specimen from the center of the plaque revealed marked epidermal atrophy with loss of the rete ridges. There was also a striking paucity of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis.

DISCUSSION

Lichen planus (LP), which is a papulosquamous disorder that most commonly affects middle-aged adults, is characterized by a pruritic eruption of violaceous polygonal papules. In addition to the skin, it can affect mucosal surfaces, nails, and hair follicles. The exact etiology of LP remains unclear, but immunologic mechanisms likely mediate its development. On occasion, LP may assume different clinical appearances, with variations in both morphological appearance and configuration.

The annular form of LP is a rare, chronic . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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Arch Dermatol. 2005;141(1):93-98.
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