Lichenoid Keratosis- Keratosis Lichenoides Chronica

What is Lichenoid Keratosis?

• Lichenoid keratosis, also known as, keratosis lichenoides chronica is a condition in which
  usually a solitary brown lesion that turns red and becomes itchy
• These lesions usually appear in area that are exposed to the sun
• They generally appear most on the forearms, hands or chest of middle aged whit women
• These lesions are commonly biopsied because of their similarity to basal cell carcinoma.

What are the symptoms of lichenoid keratosis?

• Linear, warty small elevation on the skin
• Solitary brown lesions that turn red and become itchy
• Usually appear most on the forearms, hands and chest of middle aged women
• They usually appear in areas that are exposed to the sun

What treatments are available for this condition?

            Although there are treatments available they are usually unsatisfactory.  The following are
            some treatments available:

• Topical and systemic corticosteroids
• Methotrexate- slows that growth of rapidly growing cells
• Cyclosporine- suppresses the immune systems responses
• Etretinate-

What else should I know about this condition?

            There are many other conditions that can have they appearance of solitary brown or red 
             lesions.  Therefore it is vitally important to see Dr. Cleaver as soon as possible to rule out
             any other conditions.  Other skin conditions to consider are:

• Bowen's disease (carcinoma) is usually solitary and may be red-brown in color.
  A lesion caused by Bowen's disease, however, has an irregular surface, scalloped margins,
  and a minimally atrophic center.
• Tinea corporis (ringworm fungus) can be solitary and is scaly and red or brown. Unlike the
  plaque seen in this case, a tinea corporis lesion is typically ring shaped and characterized by an
  advancing border and central clearing.
• Nevi (moles) can start out as brown papules and become irritated and red following minor trauma.
  Moles are seldom larger than 1 cm in diameter, however, and tend to disappear after age 65.

After careful analyzes and possibly a biopsy Dr. Cleaver may be able to identify your condition as
Benign lichenoid keratosis, which is essentially a seborrheic keratosis that has become inflamed. The
combination of the original brown color of the lesion and red (a color characteristic of inflammation)
affirms this diagnosis.