A Case of Generalized Lichen Planus Treated with Topical Pimecrolimus.
- Author:
Yeong Kyu LEE
1
;
Bon Seok KU
;
Young Hun KIM
;
Chae Wook LEE
;
Ki Ho KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea. leecw@dau.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Generalized lichen planus;
Pimecrolimus (Elidel(R) 0.1% cream)
- MeSH:
Antigen Presentation;
Autoimmune Diseases;
Homicide;
Humans;
Keratinocytes;
Lichen Planus*;
Lichens*;
Mast Cells;
Mucous Membrane;
Skin;
T-Lymphocytes
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2007;45(4):397-400
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Lichen planus is a chronic papulosquamous disease chracterized by various clinical manifestations of the skin and mucous membrane. Although its etiology is not fully understood, lichen planus has been associated with viral infection, autoimmune disease, psychologic factors, and medications. Both antigen-specific and non-specific mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of lichen planus. The former includes antigen presentation by basal keratinocytes and antigen-specific keratinocyte killing by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, the latter includes mast cell degranulation and matrix metalloproteinase activation. A large variety of topical and systemic therapies are available for the treatment of lichen planus. Also, topical pimecrolimus (Elidel(R) 0.1% cream) may be used because of its inhibitory effect on activated T cells and mast cell degranulation. Recently, it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of oral and genital lichen planus. But, its effect in cutaneous lichen planus has not been reported to date. We report on the successful use of topical pimecrolimus in the management of a generalized lichen planus patient.
