Ulcerative lichen planus in childhood

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous condition which is relatively common in adults but rarely affects children. The present study is a report on an unusual case of ulcerative oral LP involving the dorsum of tongue in a 12-year-old boy. Patient complained of painful oral lesion on the tongue which was burning in nature and obstructing talking and eating spicy foods. On intraoral examination, a white ulcerative lesion on the dorsum of tongue was observed. Diagnosis was made based on clinical examination and histopathological features. We instituted local treatment and patient responded well to the treatment. Although rarely reported in childhood, lichen planus should be considered in a differential diagnosis of hyperkeratotic, reticular, and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa in children.

Figure 1

Dorsum of tongue showing ulcerative lesion.

Figure 2

Photomicrograph (5x magnification) of the lesion.

Figure 3

Mid treatment (15th day of treatment) showing reduction in size & healing of the ulceration.

Figure 4

Complete healing of ulcer on tongue (after 30 days of treatment).

Figure 5

Pretreatment photograph showing ulcer on dorsum of tongue.

Figure 6

Mid treatment photograph showing resolution size of the lesion.

Figure 7

Posttreatment photograph showing complete healing of ulceration.