[Childhood actinic lichen planus (6 cases)].

INTRODUCTION

Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is a chronic and benign disease that affects young people of the Middle East and Maghreb countries.

PURPOSE: To analyse clinical features and prognosis of ALP in children.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive study of cases observed in the department of dermatology of Sfax hospital over a period of 11 years (1995-2005).

RESULTS

Our patients were 5 boys and 1 girl. Mean age at diagnosis was 11 years. Onset was during the summer in 5 cases. The face was involved in 5 cases and the upper limb in 3 cases. The annular form was found in 5 cases, the pigmented melasma-like form in 1. Cheilitis was associated in 3 cases. Treatment consisted in photoprotection in all the patients. Antimalaria drugs were used in 4 patients and topical steroids in 2. Evolution was favourable in 5 cases. Disease relapsed in one child after treatment interruption.

CONCLUSION

ALP can be seen during childhood. Ultraviolet rays are involved in pathogenesis. The annular form is predominant. Treatment is based on sun protection associated with antimalarials or topical steroids.