title: Lichen aureus in childhood.
abstract: Lichen aureus is a rare asymptomatic dermatosis of unknown origin that is now classified in the group of pigmented purpuric dermatoses. The eruption consists of asymptomatic, roundish or irregular, lichenoid erythematous-purpuric papules with a tendency to coalesce in patches, most prevalent on the limbs. No meaningful laboratory abnormalities have been found. Histologically, the epidermis is normal, with a lymphohistiocytic, bandlike infiltrate with extravasated blood red cells and hemosiderin deposits observed in the dermis. During the last 20 years we have followed eight new patients, which represent 0.05% of our hospitalized patients. In five of eight patients the disease resolved in two to four years. No therapy has been carried out on these children, since lichen aureus has a tendency for slow, spontaneous improvement and resolution.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology, University of Milan, IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gelmetti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cerri
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grimalt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology*