Annular atrophic lichen planus responds to hydroxychloroquine and acitretin

Abstract

Annular atrophic lichen planus (AALP) is a rare variant of lichen planus. The clinical presentation of AALP shows distinct atrophic plaques with elevated borders on the trunk and extremities. Histopathologic findings generally reveal a lichenoid dermatitis in active lesions with a distinct loss of elastic fibers in the center of the lesions. We report a unique case of AALP, which highlights the chronicity of the eruption. Our patient showed early signs of improvement with hydroxychloroquine and acitretin, suggesting a role for systemic therapy in the treatment of AALP.