Lichen planus associated with topical beta-blocker therapy.
OBJECTIVE
We studied two clinical cases that demonstrated an association between topical beta-blocker therapy and lichen planus.


METHODS
Two patients developed skin lesions while on topical beta-blocker therapy for open-angle glaucoma. They underwent skin biopsies to determine the origin of the lesions. They were subsequently treated and followed up clinically.


RESULTS
Skin biopsy specimens from each patient demonstrated infiltrates consistent with a lichenoid drug reaction. The symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the topical beta-blocker therapy. Neither patient developed a recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that lichen planus is a possible side effect of topical beta-blocker therapy.
Beckman
K A
KA
Department of Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44104, USA.
Chanes
L
L
Kaufman
S R
SR
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D002040:Levobunolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008916:Miotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D008916:Miotics; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine; D002040:Levobunolol