Imiquimod reactivation of lichen planus. Cutis 2012 Jun;89(6):276-7, 283
Date
07/31/2012Pubmed ID
22838091Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84864849706 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 22 CitationsAbstract
A 44-year-old man who was previously diagnosed with actinic cheilitis was prescribed imiquimod cream 5%, which resulted in thick hemorrhagic crusting of the lower lip after 4 applications. He subsequently noted the development of lichen planus lesions on his arms and legs for the first time in 15 years following imiquimod use. On follow-up he also was noted to have characteristic Wickham striae on his lower lip. Lichen planus is an autoimmune inflammatory condition in which autoreactive T lymphocytes attack keratinocytes. The mechanism of action for imiquimod is upregulation of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. Treatment with clobetasol cream 0.05% led to resolution of his lichen planus lesions.
Author List
Domingues E, Chaney KC, Scharf MJ, Wiss KAuthor
Keri S. Chaney MD Assistant Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adjuvants, ImmunologicAdministration, Topical
Adult
Aminoquinolines
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Cheilitis
Clobetasol
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Lichen Planus
Lip
Male
Treatment Outcome
