Lichen spinulosus is a rare skin disorder characterized by follicular keratotic papules that are grouped into large patches. It is a variant of keratosis pilaris named for its resemblance to a patch of lichen.
It appears as a cluster of keratotic spines that resemble sandpaper and 2âÂÂ5 cm hypopigmented or skin-colored follicular papules. The lesions typically appear on different parts of the skin and last for a few weeks or months.
It could be inherited or linked to substances like gold, arsphenamine, thallium, vitamin A deficiency, diphtheria toxin, atopy, lithium medication, Hodgkin's disease, Crohn's disease, HIV, or alcoholism.
The histologic observations reveal a dermal lymphohistiocytic infiltration focused around hair follicles.
Treatments include topical keratolytics and emollients such as urea, adapalene, salicylic acid, vitamin A, tretinoin, and tacalcitol.