Dithranol in the treatment of inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus

Abstract

A case of inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) is reported. Short contact treatment with dithranol resulted in complete relief from itching and a remarkable clearing of all linear lesions except from a small verrucous band on the shin. In patients with ILVEN it is advisable to try dithranol therapy before carrying out surgical procedures such as excision, cryotherapy, electrocautery. The prompt response to dithranol is best explained by the assumption that most of the lesions in this case of ILVEN represented true linear psoriasis.